SCAA and FTC signs MOU aimed at strengthening consumer protection within Seychelles’ aviation sector

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and the Fair Trading Commission (FTC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening consumer protection within Seychelles’ aviation sector.

The MOU marks an important step towards enhancing cooperation between both institutions and establishing a more structured, transparent, and effective framework for addressing aviation consumer complaints and protecting passenger rights.

Through this partnership, SCAA and FTC will work together to strengthen oversight, improve complaint handling mechanisms, and support greater accountability and consumer confidence within the aviation industry.

‘’Under this MOU, the FTC, through its existing expertise in consumer protection framework, will support SCAA in achieving its regulatory objectives and continued alignment with international aviation consumer protection standards. The agreement will also further develop FTC's experience within the aviation sector and enhance its engagement with aviation stakeholders. This will support greater awareness of consumer protection principles and encourage best practices across the industry." Mrs. Poussou, CEO FTC

The initiative also reinforces SCAA’s oversight role and advances Seychelles’ alignment with international aviation standards, including the consumer protection principles of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), as well as international air carrier liability regimes under the Warsaw Convention of 1929 and the Montreal Convention of 1999.

Passengers and airport users will benefit from clearer mechanisms for lodging and resolving complaints relating to matters such as baggage handling, passenger rights, conditions of carriage, and access to accurate information throughout the passenger journey.

‘’It is important to note that the framework we are formalising today does not replace the first point of contact for resolving consumer issues. Consumers must still begin by contacting their service provider, which already has its own system for handling complaints. Our framework only becomes applicable once that avenue has been fully exhausted.’’ Mr. Albert, CEO SCAA

SCAA and FTC also extend sincere appreciation to the teams from both institutions who have worked closely to advance this initiative, as well as to all partners and stakeholders supporting efforts to strengthen accountability, consumer confidence, and the continued development of Seychelles’ aviation sector.

About SCAA

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) is the national regulatory body established under the SCAA Act 2024 to oversee and manage all civil aviation activities in the Republic of Seychelles. Its core mandate includes ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of civil aviation through effective regulation, oversight, and enforcement. SCAA is responsible for the certification and licensing of aviation personnel and service providers, the regulation of air navigation and airport services, and the development and implementation of aviation policies and regulations. It also plays a key role in negotiating and facilitating international air service agreements. Since its separation from airport operations in 2024, SCAA has operated as an independent authority focused solely on regulatory functions, in alignment with ICAO standards and best practices

About FTC

The Fair Trading Commission Seychelles was established in 2010 under the Fair Trading Commission Act, 2009, with the mandate to promote fair competition and protect consumer rights in Seychelles. In 2022, the Commission transitioned under the Fair Trading Act, 2022, which strengthened and modernised its regulatory framework by consolidating laws relating to consumer protection and fair competition.

Today, the Commission is equipped with stronger powers to enforce the consumer protection act, investigate anti-competitive conducts and terminate unfair business practices. FTC works closely with key stakeholders through joint inspections and national task force operations to ensure compliance across various sectors. The FTC also places strong emphasis on consumer education and awareness through outreach campaigns, public engagement initiatives, and advocacy programmes aimed at empowering consumers and businesses with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities under the law. Through these efforts, the Commission remains committed to fostering a transparent, ethical, competitive, and consumer-focused marketplace in Seychelles.

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