In January 2012, Etihad Airways acquired a 40 per cent stake in Air Seychelles Ltd, as part of a strategic partnership which connects the Seychelles to Abu Dhabi and points beyond, to the GCC, Europe, Indian Subcontinent and Asia. The agreement, the first of its kind in Africa, includes a five-year management contract for Etihad Airways to support the implementation of strategic measures guiding Air Seychelles’ long-term commercial growth.