SCAA Celebrates First Batch of Graduates from Approach Control Surveillance Course

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) is proud to announce the graduation of six employees from its first in-house Approach Control Surveillance Course, delivered in collaboration with Global ATS Aviation Training Services, a UK-based specialist aviation training organisation.

The 8-week course, which commenced on 12 August and concluded on 3 October, was designed to equip participants with the essential knowledge and skills necessary for providing surveillance control services in Seychelles' terminal airspace. It included two weeks of theoretical instruction in the Air Traffic Management (ATM) Training Room, followed by six weeks of practical sessions conducted on the Approach simulator at the University of Seychelles in Anse Royale.

The six successful graduates of the programme are ATM Instructor Mr. Paolo Moustache and air traffic controllers Ms. Sevitah Delpech, Ms. Renatta Michel, Mr. Kelvin Morel, Mr. Joseph Leon, and Mr. Mohamed Pillay. All participants demonstrated exceptional progress throughout the training, paving the way for future advancements in air traffic surveillance services at SCAA.

Global ATS has previously worked with SCAA on consultancy and training projects, but this marks the first time that the specialised Approach Control Surveillance course has been conducted on Seychelles soil. With the guidance of Mr. Smith, a Global ATS instructor, the trainees not only met but exceeded the standards required by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

During the graduation ceremony, Esmee Samson, General Manager of Air Navigation Services, delivered a heartfelt address, expressing her pride in the achievements of the graduates:

“I am delighted that this talented group of staff has excelled in yet another rating. I had the chance to witness their commitment and the healthy competition they fostered to push each other toward success. This achievement is paramount for our organization, as a competent and well-trained workforce is vital to our continued recognition by our partners, particularly the International Civil Aviation.”

Ms. Samson also extended her gratitude to Mr. Smith, whose instructional approach was instrumental in ensuring a 100% pass rate, and to the ANS Management team for their support throughout the training process. She further acknowledged the invaluable assistance of the CEO, HR, Finance, and Housekeeping departments, emphasising their role in the overall success of the programme.

The completion of this course marks the beginning of unit training for the participants, who will soon contribute to the enhancement of Seychelles' air traffic management services, particularly in terminal airspace surveillance.

“After all the hard work, it is time to enjoy your success,” said Ms. Samson. “I am so proud of you all and can say with confidence that I have the best team ever. Congratulations to each of you!”

SCAA staff volunteer to clean up the world

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) will host a cleanup event this month, incorporating a mangrove tree initiative. Through initiatives like these, SCAA reaffirms its dedication to environmental protection.

In September, to commemorate the 26th edition of Clean Up the World Day, 26 SCAA staff members volunteered to raise environmental awareness and engage the community in preserving the natural beauty of Seychelles. The event was held at Anse Aux Pins, specifically along the road leading to Ile Soleil. This location, popular with fitness enthusiasts and residents of Ile Soleil, was chosen for cleanup due to increasing litter, overgrown foliage, and debris.

The enthusiasm among SCAA staff was palpable as volunteers gathered early in the morning, equipped with gloves, trash bags, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference. With determined spirits, they tackled neglected areas across the site.

As the day progressed, their hard work became evident in the transformation of the site. Once littered with plastic bottles, wrappers, and other debris, it was now a cleaner, more welcoming space. The satisfaction on the volunteers’ faces testified to their dedication.

The event concluded with a small gathering where staff reflected on their achievements, sharing a sense of accomplishment and hope. Participants recognized that their efforts, however small, contribute to the larger movement toward environmental conservation.

Our ongoing initiatives reflect SCAA’s commitment to environmental protection and sustainability through hands-on actions, underscoring the importance of individual responsibility in safeguarding the environment for #OurPeople and @OurCommunity.

Together, these actions can lead to a cleaner, healthier planet for current and future generations.

New Indian Airline to start operations to Seychelles

Seychelles and India held bilateral aviation talks on Wednesday 08 May 2024, in New Delhi, India. The Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Mr. Garry Albert, headed the Seychelles delegation comprising of representatives from Air Seychelles, led by its CEO Mr. Sandy Benoiton, as well as other officials of Seychelles Aviation Authority. The Seychelles High Commissioner to India Mrs. Lalatiana Accouche, also attended the session.

The aim of the talks was to discuss ways to further liberalize the air transport arrangement that exists between the two countries in order to introduce fresh provisions, creating more opportunities for airlines of 1both countries to enjoy greater operational flexibility. 

In his opening remarks, Mr. Albert noted the importance of such engagement, highlighting that the “sustenance of our excellent bilateral relations hinges on our two sides regularly engaging in dialogue to find new avenues to strengthen our partnership. India’s growth in the aviation sector has been impressive and the rest of the world watches in awe as the country becomes an important international hub in the region, supporting global economic growth”.

On his part, Shri Asangba Chuba Ao, Joint Secretary for the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India, who headed the Indian delegation, emphasized that the two countries enjoy cordial and friendly relations for many decades and as a result, Seychelles is becoming an up and coming destination of choice for Indian tourists. He accentuated that there has been an increasing interest by Indian carriers to operate direct flights to Seychelles. The demand for travel to Seychelles is increasing significantly, as such, making these talks important to create the space to facilitate commercial air operations, for the mutual benefits of the two countries.

Seychelles and India are currently connected by a direct flight operated by Air Seychelles to Mumbai once a week. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline was conducting 5 weekly flights to India. Despite the dip in frequency on the route there has been a growth of over 50% in Indian visitors to Seychelles from 2022 to 2023.

During the discussions, it was revealed that IndiGO Airline, one of the fastest growing Indian air carriers, intends to launch flights to Seychelles in October 2024. The airline is expected to conduct three weekly flights to the archipelago.  IndiGO is currently in final discussions with its Authority in India, to secure all necessary approvals and they are also in talks with the Authorities in Seychelles.

Mr. Albert said that the launch of these flights by IndiGO is a direct result of the modern air services framework between our two countries. “These arrangements negotiated by the government yields tangible results and it is the people of Seychelles who reaps the ultimate benefits.”

During the talks, Seychelles was also informed of the interest by a second Indian carrier to start flights to Seychelles, in the near future.

India has risen to become the world’s fifth largest economy leapfrogging France and the UK. Having undergone tremendous transformation over the years, India has positioned itself amongst the most chosen destinations by many tourists and for Seychellois as a medical tourism destination whilst many others seek educational opportunities and other professional development options. The country is also renowned for its marriage ceremonies, melting its old cultural heritage and the vibrancy of the modern era, making it a destination of choice for people who want to reconnect with themselves as well as for thrill seekers and budding adventurers.

Seychelles and India signed an Air Services Agreement in 2015 that airlines of both countries have been using as the basis for their operations.

About SCAA

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) was established under the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Act ,2005, as an administrative and financial body corporate to provide for the services, facilities and regulation of civil aviation activities in Seychelles, consistent and in accordance with national and international standards.

Media Contact:

Ms. Alisha Jean-Louis
Communications Specialist
Tel: 4684016 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For more information, please visit: www.scaa.sc

Mass tree planting on Praslin, as part of aviation carbon offsetting initiatives

A mass tree planting activity was held on 15th December 2023 to commemorate International Civil Aviation Day celebrated every 7th December. A total of 215 trees were planted to mark the day.

The activity held at the New Come Site in Baie Ste Anne District was organized by the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority in partnership with the Terrestrial Restoration Action Society Seychelles (TRASS). A small group of nine persons planted a variety of trees such as Bwa -d-Tab, Bwa Torti and Bwa Sousouri on behalf of individuals and organizations who had previously submitted their pledge on the virtual environment pledge wall under the project ‘’Make a pledge and we plant a tree for you’’

The tree planting formalizes the Authority's commitment towards the global target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 and its ambition to maximize activities to offset its carbon emissions by working with key parties.

It is the second time that the Authority organize a mass tree planting activity on Praslin together with TRASS. The next event will be in December 2024. Individuals and organizations are encouraged to make a pledge on the following link

About SCAA

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) was established under the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Act ,2005, as an administrative and financial body corporate to provide for the services, facilities and regulation of civil aviation activities in Seychelles, consistent and in accordance with national and international standards.

Media Contact:

Ms. Alisha Jean-Louis
Communications Specialist
Tel: 4384016 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For more information, please visit: www.scaa.sc

Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Signs Cooperation MOU with the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority

The Civil Aviation Authorities of Seychelles and Rwanda signed a cooperation MOU in the margins of ICAO’s largest Negotiations event ICAN-2023, held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2023.

The signature of the MOU was done by the Chief Executive Officer of SCAA, Mr. Garry Albert and the Deputy Director General of the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority (RCAA), Ms. Winnie Ngamije. The arrangement would allow both Authorities to have access to technical assistance in various areas that would boost their respective human resource capacity.

The MOU is a direct outcome of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement signed between Seychelles and Rwanda in 2018 and aligns with the ‘No Country Left Behind” initiative by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.

During the signing ceremony the CEO of SCAA, Mr. Garry Albert said that this MOU marked an important milestone in the aviation relations between Seychelles and Rwanda, “We are very proud to have RCAA as a partner as we look to take our aviation sector to new heights. It is clear to us that we have many valuable lessons to learn from Rwanda and this framework would allow us to do just that. I thank RCAA for the excellent collaboration and we look forward to build on this in the future.”

With the framework firmly in place the staff of the Authority stands to benefit from exchange programmes, capacity building, on-job training as well as exposure to technology and innovation.

About SCAA

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) was established under the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Act ,2005, as an administrative and financial body corporate to provide for the services, facilities and regulation of civil aviation activities in Seychelles, consistent and in accordance with national and international standards.

Media Contact:

Ms. Alisha Jean-Louis
Communications Specialist
Tel: 4384016 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

For more information, please visit: www.scaa.sc

Use of Drones in Seychelles – What you need to know!

In view of the increasing use of drones in Seychelles, particularly for business and recreational uses the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) is urging drone users to register their device. 

Level 1 Accreditation for the Seychelles International Airport

The Seychelles International Airport (SIA) has achieved Level 1 Customer Experience Accreditation by the Airport Council International (ACI), the global body for Airports. The presentation of this accolade was done on Wednesday 06 September 2023 in Incheon, South Korea during the ACI Customer Experience Global Summit. The accreditation was received by the Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), Mr. Garry Albert.

New ranking for seven promoted Airport firefighters

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) recently promoted seven firefighters in a special ceremony held at the Fire Station located at the Seychelles International Airport.

SCAA honours 65 long serving staff

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) hosted its annual Long Service Award Ceremony on Friday 7 July 2023 at Constance Ephelia Resort, Port Launay. The event commemorates 52 years since the landing of the first commercial jet BOAC VC 10 at the Seychelles International Airport on 4 July 1971.

Twelve SCAA trainees graduate from Air Traffic Control Course

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) held a short certificate presentation ceremony on Friday 16 June 2023, following the completion of the first phase of training for a group of aspiring Air Traffic Controllers, recently recruited by the Authority.

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