A business-class flight on Air Seychelles is all it takes to feel excited about a work trip to the Indian Ocean group of islands.
For me, the timing of the four-hour flight between Abu Dhabi and the Seychelles was ideal. The flight departs at 2am and arrives at 6am, leaving a full day for meetings for those on a quick business trip.
Air Seychelles has done a great job configuring its business-class cabin. There was plenty of space between each set of seats, making the cabin feel roomy and neat. To add to the sleek look of the blue and grey interiors, a drawer to store handbags or briefcases can be pulled out of the back of the seat in front.
And both the food table and the in-flight entertainment screen are stored in the sides of the seat, emphasising the simplicity of the cabin with its “less is more” feel.
I was determined to sleep to feel energised for the busy work day ahead, and thanks to the lie-flat seat I slept well. While my amenity kit did not include a set of pyjamas, it had a toothbrush, toothpaste, sleep mask, and earplugs to cover the basics.
When I wanted to sit up to eat, there was a leg rest button so that I could still stretch out. The seat options include the now-obligatory massage feature that comes in most business- class cabins these days. But to be honest that felt a little weird.
Food-wise, breakfast was on offer. To start, there was a choice between bread and pastries, a fruit smoothie, a natural yoghurt with mixed berries or seasonal fruits. For the main, a choice of a mixed pepper omelette, scrambled eggs or pancakes was offered.
The vegetable omelette was a little rich for my palate, although the sides of spinach, mushrooms, potatoes, tomatoes and caramelised onions made it a complete feast.
As for the pastries, they were coated in cinnamon – but then that’s what you would expect from the Seychelles, where the spice grows in abundance.
The cinnamon Danish was superb.
selgazzar@thenational.ae
* The writer was a guest of Air Seychelles.
Shereen El Gazzar reveals more about the Air Seychelles business class experience:
How was the in-flight entertainment?
There was a selection of about 40 movies ranging from the latest releases to classics such as Titanic and Home Alone.
And the service?
Warm and friendly. It includes dine on demand, which meant I could have my meal early on the flight, giving me enough time to sleep. They also offered coffee before landing.
Anything about the trip you didn’t like?
It was a turbulent flight but that’s something that can happen anywhere, any time.
How much for a business class return from Abu Dhabi?
A return ticket for Dh10,165 on the Air Seychelles website is the lowest fare.
Is it one flight daily?
The carrier operates nine flights a week between Mahé and Abu Dhabi.
Tell me more about the airline?
Air Seychelles was established in 1978. The airline flies internationally to Johannesburg, Hong Kong, Paris and Abu Dhabi using Airbus A330 aircraft. It also flies to Tanzania, Madagascar, Mumbai, and Mauritius via its Airbus A320 fleet. Domestically, it operates 200 services per week between Mahé and Praslin, the country’s second biggest island. In 2012, Etihad Airways acquired a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles, in a deal worth US$45 million. It has since turned a profit for three consecutive years.
