VP Belmont launches SCAA's first board meeting-Aviation industry must adapt to ‘global village’ |11 May 2005

Seychelles had to modernise both its sea and air ports to respond to the demands of a “global village,” he said, speaking Tuesday May 10 at State House to launch the first board meeting of the new Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA).

Vice-President Belmont, who holds the portfolio for civil aviation as minister for transport, said he thought the new board consisted of members with varied experiences, calling it a “balanced board…to guide the civil aviation industry.”

He said the board would be entrusted with advising government on policy, and asked the new body to build on the work of the dissolved Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA).

One facet of the DCA’s achievements lies in the localisation of posts, the vice-president said, noting that 100 percent of SCAA employees are Seychellois.

While this was a worthy achievement considering many of the industry’s posts are often specialised and technical, VP Belmont urged the board to continue to address human resources as a priority.

He also asked the SCAA to stick to the June 2006 target date to complete renovations at the International Airport, and mentioned that a new terminal may be in the cards in the next 5-10 years.

Conrad Benoiton has taken the reins of the new SCAA as chief executive officer. Former DCA head Gilbert Faure will be the deputy CEO.

SCAA chairman Gerard Lafortune said the new aviation authority is being granted more autonomy so it can respond quickly to changes in the global aviation climate.

Promoting the civil aviation industry and boosting tourism are among the main goals for the SCAA, but Mr Lafortune said he also hoped improvements made would translate to a better experience for Seychellois travellers as well.

The composition of the board, with significant representation from the tourism sector, reflects government’s desire to have the SCAA operate for the benefit of its clients, he added.

Air Seychelles executive chairman Captain David Savy and the chairman of the Seychelles Hospitality and Tourism Association, Louis D’Offay, offered their appreciation to the vice-president that the main customers of the aviation authority who drive the business were finally being represented at the decision-making level.