Air Seychelles Cargo has started an airfreight service for shippers wanting to send valuable cargo in a more secure manner.

The airline launched SafeGuard on 1 June, and explains it has been designed for customers who need to import or export high-value goods, such as banknotes, precious metals and stones, and jewellery. Air Seychelles Cargo says that airfreight sent using the service is transported in special sealed boxes or containers, depending on volume, and is stored in locked areas, which can only be accessed by authorised staff.

For additional security, shipments are escorted by security personnel during loading and offloading, and monitored around the clock, with closed circuit television surveillance at key points. Notifications are also sent to customers to update them on the status of their shipments.

Air Seychelles chief executive officer, Manoj Papa, says: “The launch of SafeGuard provides our customers with a fast and secure solution for sending precious and high-value cargo. It is designed around our customers’ needs and demonstrates our commitment to innovation in Air Seychelles. “As part of this culture, we introduced a chiller and freezer service for perishable goods in 2014, and a cost-effective option for sending shopping and personal items called the Seychelles Box this January.”

SafeGuard shipments can be sent to more than 60 destinations across the combined Air Seychelles Cargo and Etihad Airways Cargo networks.

On 29  May, Air Seychelles added an Airbus A320 to its fleet under the Seychelles civil aircraft register, with the aircraft making its first commercial flight that day and landing at Seychelles International Airport.