First B767-200 aircraft returns to ILFC

27th October 2011 – The first of two Boeing 767-200 aircraft leased by Air Seychelles from the International Lease Finance Corporation (ILFC) was returned to the lessor, three years earlier than its due date of return.

The second B767-200 is expected to be returned early next month.

Discussions between Air Seychelles and ILFC have been ongoing with talks being focussed on the basic terms and conditions requested by ILFC to amend the current lease between both parties for an earlier return of both B767-200s.

Air Seychelles CEO, Bram Steller has said : “In line with HM’s new business strategy we are right-sizing our fleet and streamlining, hence the return of the B762s.Our new business strategy will focus on maximizing revenue by ensuring appropriate capacity on all routes, flights and adequate use of our fleet.

The SEZ – registered aircraft, Isle of Bijoutier ,that left Seychelles for Arizona this morning, joined the national airline’s fleet in August 2008 was expected to be returned in August 2013.

An ILFC Techincal Services official was here to collect all records and manuals of both aircraft whilst Air Seychelles engineers carried our engine checks in compliance with the lease agreement.

The second B767-200, ILF-registered aircraft, Amirantes will depart Seychelles early next week. This aircraft was leased in April 2009 by Air Seychelles and was originally expected to be returned in April 2014.

The aircraft, Isle of Bijoutier departed Seychelles at 10am this morning under the command of two Air Seychelles captains and an engineer.

The Airport Fire Services gave a water canon salute to the departing aircraft for having served some three years with Air Seychelles.