Mihin Lanka to connect Sri Lanka and Seychelles from November

Wednesday, 23 October 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Mihin Lanka (MJ), SriLankan Airlines’ sister carrier will soon commence twice-weekly direct flights from Colombo to Mahe, which is the largest of the exotic islands of Seychelles, in November, 2013. This move will connect two of the most exotic islands complimenting each other’s air services in the African Continent, the Indian Ocean and beyond.

An air services agreement was established between the two governments, following an official visit to the Seychelles by Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa in June, this year, catalysing trade and tourism between the two nations. As a codeshare partner with Mihin on the Seychelles route, national carrier, SriLankan Airlines adds yet another destination to its network which will total 65 in 35 countries. Mihin Lanka’s network expands to nine destinations. Chairman of SriLankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka, Nishantha Wickremasinghe said, “This is an inspiring move that will connect Sri Lanka not only to the islands of Seychelles but to the vast African Continent and both our airlines are looking forward to serve the region.” Seychelles comprises a total of 115 islands of granite or coral that make up six island groups occupying a land area of 455 square km and an Exclusive Economic Zone in the Western Indian Ocean. It is reputed as an archipelago of legendary beauty that lies just south of the Equator and around 500 km from the east coast of Africa. The granite islands cluster around the main island of Mahe, home to the international airport, the capital Victoria and its satellites Praslin and La Digue. Together these inner islands form the cultural and economic hubs where the majority of the Seychelles tourist resorts are located. The Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines’ and Mihin Lanka, Kapila Chandrasena said, “Seychelles and Sri Lanka have agreed to a wide-ranging commercial agreement that will give passengers boarding in Seychelles convenient access to new points in South Asia and the Far East and passengers boarding in Colombo, easy access to Air Seychelles regional network in the Indian Ocean and Africa.” Mihin Lanka flights scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday will depart Colombo (CMB) at 1330hrs and arrive in Mahe (SEZ) at 1610hrs while the return flight will depart Mahe at 1710hrs and arrive in Colombo at 2300hrs.