The Minister responsible for Transport, Mr Joel Morgan, has said that President James Michel has welcomed the arrival of a strong management team from Etihad Airways to orient Air Seychelles on a robust and secure footing.

After the acquisition of 40% share in Air Seychelles by Abu Dhabi-based Etihad, a new chief executive officer, Mr Cramer Ball, has been appointed to head the Seychelles' airline.

News of the appointment was announced yesterday in a press release by Minister Morgan and Etihad Airways CEO, Mr James Hogan.

According to Minister Morgan, the strategic partnership between Air Seychelles and Etihad has been made possible due to the personal contact and intervention President Michel with the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi and the excellent personal relations that exist between the Seychellois Head of State and the Royal Family of the emirate.

The partnership will position Air Seychelles for development to serve the islands' tourism industry internationally.

The other major appointment at Air Seychelles is Ms Shelley Cole as chief financial officer.