As Ethiopian Airline celebrates 70 years of service and one successful year of operation in Seychelles, it has rewarded travel agencies with the biggest sales of Ethiopian Airline tickets.
The carrier started their operation in Seychelles 38 years ago in April 1978, but was suspended and reinstated again.
Ethiopian stands as Africa’s largest cargo service and has been an airline of firsts in Africa such as the first B720 in 1957, first B767 in 1984, and first B777-200 in 2010 and second B787 worldwide in 2012.
During a special reception held at Carana beach hotel, Ethiopian Airlines area manager Meseret Tekalign rewarded Sea Shell Travel as their top seller.
Sea Shell Travel was followed by Mason’s Air Travel, Creole Air Travel in third place and Bunson Travel in fourth.
Ocean Air and Travel Plus received certificates of appreciation.
Addressing representatives of destination management companies (DMCs), travel agencies, tourism and trade partners during the ceremony, Ms Tekalign said significant progress has been made in the past year since operations resumed on September 28, 2015.
“The traffic between Seychelles and all over our networks have grown by an average of 8% compared to the growth rate we had before. That may not sound so impressive, but I know how tough waves were and I for sure can say this milestone is indeed significant to be recognised,” she said.
She affirmed the airline’s commitment in discharging its civic duties as Pan African Airline by serving the air connectivity of Seychelles to its vast network all over the globe and continue to promote Seychelles in bound tourism.
Ms Tekalign has been working with Ethiopian Airlines for 16 years and she feels honoured to have had the chance to exert all her productive years with them.
She also spoke of the airline as a leader with a host of awards received in 2015 such as Best African Cargo Airline of the Year, African Airline of the Year, The Rising Carrier of the Year, Global growth company of 2015 and many more.
The managing director of Mason’s Travel, Alan Mason, congratulated the airline as it has been growing from just seven destinations in the late 1940s to over 50 destinations in Africa, 21 in the Middle East and Asia, 10 in Europe and even four in the Americas.
He said: “Together we bring more tourists to Seychelles through your extensive network across Africa and beyond while providing Seychellois with increased opportunities not only to explore Ethiopia but also the many other destinations reachable via Addis Ababa and there is more to come.”
The remarks were followed by a cake cutting for the auspicious occasion.
Source : Seychelles NATION