Air Seychelles, the national airline of Seychelles, has appointed Manoj Papa as its new chief executive officer.

Papa joins from South Africa Airways, where he held the position of acting general manager (commercial) and succeeds Cramer Ball.

Joel Morgan, the Seychelles Minister for Home Affairs and Transport and chairman of Air Seychelles, said: “Manoj Papa is an experienced airline professional and strategist with the credentials to lead Air Seychelles in the next phase of its development.  

"With our new routes, new aircraft on order and new service offer now across the network, we are in a stronger position than we have ever been."

“I put on record our grateful thanks to Cramer Ball, who has been instrumental in revitalising our national carrier.  Cramer was seconded to Air Seychelles in January 2012 as part of a partnership in which Etihad Airways acquired 40 per cent of our airline and secured a five-year management contract,” Morgan said.

James Hogan, president and CEO of Etihad Airways, said: “During his five years with Etihad, Manoj played an important role in developing and implementing our long-term growth strategy and I am delighted to welcome him back into the wider Etihad Airways family."

"The insight which Manoj has into our business and strategic model will be crucial in ensuring the continuity of our commitment to the ongoing success and growth at Air Seychelles,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service