Air Seychelles Airbus A320neo: Island Hopping from Seychelles to Mauritius

Flight Overview: Seychelles to Mauritius

• ✈️ The flight departs from Seychelles on an Air Seychelles Airbus A320neo with Captain Ashidong and First Officer Terry Lumari.
• ⏱️ The flight time to Mauritius is approximately 2 hours and 12 minutes, with a total duty day from 05:30 to 11:30 Zulu.
• 🌍 This route is an ETOPS flight, a segment of which is applicable due to the isolated nature of Seychelles' aerodrome.

ETOPS and Weather Avoidance

• 💡 ETOPS (Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards) is explained as a regulation for twin-engine aircraft flying beyond 60 minutes from an adequate airport.
• 📊 The A320neo is certified for 180 minutes ETOPS, with a threshold distance of 402 nautical miles from Seychelles.
• ⚠️ The flight path was adjusted to avoid anticipated weather systems, specifically cumulonimbus clouds (CB), to the right of the planned track.

Approach and Landing in Mauritius

• 🗺️ The flight utilizes the Donary One Echo arrival transitioning to an ILS Zulu approach for runway 14 in Mauritius.
• 🎛️ Pilots cross-check the flight plan routing against charts and confirm approach parameters, including speed, vertical speed, and QNH.
• 🛬 The approach involves manual flying by the Captain, disconnecting the autopilot for a visual approach, showcasing the island's scenery.

Return Flight and Manual Landing in Seychelles

• ✈️ The return flight from Mauritius to Seychelles benefits from a direct routing, saving approximately 3 minutes.
• ⚠️ The flight re-enters ETOPS territory and again involves weather avoidance maneuvers.
• 🏝️ Upon arrival in Seychelles, the Captain performs a manual visual approach and landing on runway 13, highlighting the scenic beauty of the islands.
• ✅ Post-flight procedures include paperwork, aircraft handover to engineers, and rest for the crew.