Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, has scooped two accolades at the World Travel Awards (WTA) 2014, further enhancing its status as a leading carrier in the Indian Ocean region and beyond.

The airline was awarded Indian Ocean’s Leading Airline – Business Class and Indian Ocean’s Leading Cabin Crew, said a statement from the airline.

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,” he added.

CEO Manoj Papa said: "Central to our success is always being ahead on what our guests expect from us. That means continuing to enhance our hospitality proposition, making travel more enjoyable, connecting more parts of the world directly and with partners to Seychelles, and crucially, offering one of the finest flying experiences at an attractive price."

“We’ve done this by tapping into best practice methods of our partner Etihad Airways, in areas such as product, service, and training, and these industry accolades now demonstrate the value and benefits of where we are today."

WTA president Graham Cooke said these 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. It has carved out a niche for itself as a boutique airline to the Indian Ocean, achieved through partnerships with a far reaching international footprint," he added.-TradeArabia News Service