Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has scooped two coveted accolades at the World Travel Awards Africa & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony, further enhancing its status as the leading carrier in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

The airline was awarded the titles of Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class and Indian Ocean’s Leading Cabin Crew.

The awards, established in 1993, recognise the very best travel organisations in the world through a global vote by travel professionals from 171 countries.

Joël Morgan, Seychelles minister for home affairs and transport and Air Seychelles board chairman, said: “To receive these two awards is testament to the outstanding efforts of the entire team at Air Seychelles, our strategic partnership with Etihad Airways, and the innovative approach we have taken to being the best at what we do.

“Today, in addition to being a key economic enabler for Seychelles which has helped boost tourism and cargo numbers, Air Seychelles again takes its place for outstanding service, international aspirations, and most of all for being a worthy ambassador for our beautiful island nation – a source of pride for all Seychellois.”

Air Seychelles’ success at the World Travel Awards caps what has been a remarkable 2014 to date for the airline.

Since January Air Seychelles has reported a second consecutive year of net profitability, taken delivery of two 19-seat DHC-6 Twin Otter Series 400 aircraft for domestic services, signed codeshare agreements with Alitalia and Hong Kong Airlines.

It has also doubled the number of codeshare routes offered with strategic partner Etihad Airways.

In addition, the carrier has re-started its flagship Paris route, revamped cargo handling facilities at Mahé airport, launched a new weekly inter-island domestic cargo service, and given indications it is on course for a third year of profitability.

World Travel Awards president, Graham Cooke, said: “The World Travel Awards recognise and reward the best travel organisations and Air Seychelles is no exception.  The growth and development of the airline in such a short period of time has been nothing short of spectacular.

“Air Seychelles has carved out a niche for itself as a boutique airline to the Indian Ocean, achieved through partnerships with a far reaching international footprint.

“Today it holds its own as an iconic airline brand delivering superlative service with its leading business class product combined with cabin crew service which is truly award winning.

“We are delighted to present these awards to Air Seychelles for achievements in providing world-class products and developing tourism and aviation in the region.

“We wish the airline and staff many more years of success.”