Chengdu-Seychelles Direct Seasonal Flights Launch in July, Bolstering China-Seychelles Cooperation

Kenya - Ekhbary News Agency

Chengdu-Seychelles Direct Seasonal Flights Launch in July, Bolstering China-Seychelles Cooperation

Nairobi, Kenya | Victoria, Seychelles — Bilateral relations between China and the Republic of Seychelles are poised for a significant uplift with the eagerly anticipated launch of seasonal direct flights connecting Chengdu, the vibrant capital of China's Sichuan province, to Mahé Island in Seychelles. Commencing this July, this new air route, operated by Sichuan Airlines, not only symbolizes unprecedented travel convenience between the two nations but also serves as a tangible manifestation of their joint commitment to implementing key consensuses reached by their leaders, particularly within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Beijing Summit.

According to reports from the Ekhbary News Agency in Nairobi, Sichuan Airlines has confirmed that these seasonal direct flights will commence on specific dates throughout July: the 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th. This meticulously planned schedule is designed to cater to the growing demand for travel between China and Seychelles, opening new avenues for Chinese tourists to explore Seychelles, renowned as a 'paradise for tourists' due to its breathtaking natural beauty. Located in the Indian Ocean, east of the African continent, Seychelles boasts pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and lush landscapes. More than 50% of its total land area is designated as natural reserves, underscoring its unwavering commitment to environmental preservation and its unique biodiversity.

The inauguration of this direct air link is the culmination of diligent efforts by relevant departments and local authorities in both countries. In recent times, these entities have actively accelerated the implementation of high-level consensuses and the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit. Their focus has been on strengthening bilateral cooperation in vital sectors such as tourism, trade, investment, and facilitating direct air connectivity. This new direct flight is expected to significantly reduce travel times and costs, thereby stimulating the tourism sector and enhancing commercial exchanges between the two nations, contributing to more efficient platforms for joint business ventures.

The strategic importance of this direct route extends far beyond merely facilitating tourism. It establishes a crucial air corridor connecting China's southwestern region with East Africa. This not only provides a direct pathway for residents of Sichuan and surrounding provinces to reach Seychelles but also opens doors for Seychellois products, such as seafood and agricultural goods, to enter the vast Chinese market. In an increasingly interconnected global economy, such a direct air channel is invaluable for promoting trade investment, technological exchange, and mutual cultural appreciation.

Furthermore, the city of Chengdu and Victoria, the capital of Seychelles, signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 6, 2024, to establish friendly cooperative relations. This sub-national level agreement provides a solid political and humanistic foundation for the success of the direct flights. Strong ties between local governments imply that future exchanges in areas such as education, culture, and healthcare will become more frequent, further enhancing understanding and affinity between the peoples of both countries. The launch of the direct flight is a tangible manifestation and a significant driving force for these 'sister city' relations.

Analysts suggest that the Chengdu-Seychelles direct flight is not merely a highlight in bilateral relations but also reflects China's ongoing commitment to deepening infrastructure connectivity and expanding practical cooperation with African nations under the framework of the 'Belt and Road' Initiative. By extending air networks, China is working with its African partners to build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial cooperation paradigm. Seychelles, as a pivotal node in the Indian Ocean, its direct connection with China will undoubtedly inject new vitality into its position in the global economy, while also providing a new strategic fulcrum for Chinese enterprises seeking to expand globally.

Looking ahead, the successful operation of these seasonal flights is expected to gradually evolve into regular routes, further solidifying the aerial bridge between the two countries. This will not only bring a continuous influx of tourists to Seychelles but also offer more diversified international travel options for Chinese tourists, jointly writing a new chapter in China-Seychelles friendship and cooperation.

Ekhbary News Agency