Abu Dhabi, May 27 (IANS/WAM): UAE's national carrier Etihad Airways has announced that it will commence operations to the Seychelles' largest island of Mahe from Nov 1.

Etihad will operate four return services weekly from Abu Dhabi to Seychelles International Airport in Mahe.

The Airbus A320, configured with two cabins Pearl Business and Coral Economy, will offer 1,088 seats each week.

Chief executive officer of Etihad Airways James Hogan, said: "The Seychelles has strong and growing appeal as a premium leisure destination, with increasing numbers of UAE residents and European travellers holidaying there.

"With the recent honeymoon of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Seychelles is likely to gain new interest as a destination of choice.

"Our increased frequencies from mid-2011 on some of our primary routes from Europe make the approaching northern winter period an ideal time to launch these new services."

The Seychelles will become the 68th destination on Etihad's global network.