Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has announced, subject to regulatory approval, it will launch flights to Paris-Orly as part of a significant expansion to its international schedule.

Plans for an optimised regional network include the introduction of several new routes in 2014.

From February 2014, Air Seychelles will operate two return services per week between Seychelles and Paris-Orly via Abu Dhabi with an Airbus A330-200 aircraft, configured with 18 flat-bed Business Class seats and 236 Economy seats.

The expansion plan follows discussions with investor Etihad Airways, which recently took a stake in the carrier as part of a management deal.

The new Paris-Orly services complement Etihad Airways’ existing double-daily services to Paris-Charles De Gaulle, giving travellers between the French capital and Abu Dhabi a choice of more flights per week, and new convenient connections to key destinations in the Etihad Airways network such as Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok and Chengdu, as well as the cities across the Middle East.

Joel Morgan, Seychelles’ minister for home affairs & transport, said: “I am delighted to see Air Seychelles return to France, Seychelles’ top market.

“Travellers boarding the flight in Paris-Orly will once again enjoy a seamless Air Seychelles operated flight and experience our unique and famous Creole warmth on their entire journey to Mahé.

“Our Abu Dhabi service schedule offers one of the fastest routes for travel between Seychelles and major European destinations, and has built a solid position in this important historical market.

“With our new service, we will be able to provide a fresh option for overseas visitors to travel to Seychelles on our flights, and we expect further significant growth from Europe.”

Currently, the island carrier codeshares on 14 flights per week to Paris-Charles De Gaulle with equity partner Etihad Airways, offering a daily service between the archipelago and the French capital.

The new flights will increase the connections to 18 per week.