Air Seychelles and Air France have signed a memorandum of understanding, heralding a new era of commercial cooperation between the two carriers.

The agreement was signed at a meeting in Aix en Provence in France between Joël Morgan, Seychelles minister of foreign affairs and transport and chairman of Air Seychelles, and Frédéric Gagey, chairman of Air France.

The deal lays the groundwork for a commercial agreement that will deliver a range of benefits to both airlines and their customers, including codeshare opportunities between Air France and Air Seychelles on each other’s respective air networks, reciprocal frequent flyer points earn, redemption and recognition benefits, as well as technical and cargo cooperation, subject to regulatory approvals.

Morgan said the memorandum was an important development that will support the commencement of a non-stop, three-per-week service to the French capital on July 1st 2015.

“This new era of cooperation is the result of a bilateral meeting between president Michel and president Hollande held in Paris last December where it was decided that direct links between France and Seychelles were a necessity.

“The renewed partnership with Air France is a significant milestone for Air Seychelles and forms a key part of our strategy to build upon tourism arrivals from France and the wider Europe region.

“It is something that we have worked very hard to achieve.”

In July 2014, Air Seychelles launched a twice-per-week service between Seychelles and France via Abu Dhabi.