Air Seychelles has purchased a new generation Airbus320neo. The acquisition is part of the airline’s plan to renew its short- and medium-haul fleet.

The airline will receive the new aircraft in the second half of 2019 and it is expected to ease pressure on the popular Johannesburg and Mumbai routes. The agreement makes Air Seychelles the first airline operating in the African Indian Ocean region to order this aircraft.

The Airbus320neo is equipped with new inflight systems, offering guests increased comfort. The aircraft also uses an improved wingtip design that helps improve fuel efficiency by up to 15%.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Seychelles Minister of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley, who said the new purchase mirrored the national drive to create an environmentally sustainable tourism industry.

Eric Schultz, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer, said: “The fuel-efficient aircraft will provide the airline with unbeatable efficiency, lowest operating costs and a significantly reduced environmental footprint.”