SCAA rewards long-serving staff |09 July 2018

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) has rewarded 37 staff for their long service and significant contributions to the authority.

This was during its annual long service award ceremony which this year was held at Eden Bleu Hotel on Friday evening.

As the longest-serving staff, the chief executive, Gilbert Faure, was recognised for his 45 years of devotion to the authority.

Mr Faure joined the civil aviation authority in 1973, a year after the opening of the Seychelles International Airport, as an assistant meteorological officer with the then Directorate of Civil Aviation (DCA). He became the director of DCA in 1995 and later the CEO of SCAA in 2005.

Mr Faure, who will be 63 years in September and whose contract ends in December 2018, is on the verge of taking his retirement after the contract ends.

“I have reached retirement age and I will wait until December and decide what to do after,” he said.

Mr Faure added that, putting aside the ups and downs, he enjoyed and had a great journey in his aviation career.

He thanked his staff and all for the support they have given to him to make SCAA one of the best organisations in Seychelles.

“I would like the SCAA workers to continue to work as a team and for senior management to treat their lower subordinates with respect and groom them so that the level of service stays high or go even higher for the benefit of our customers, our country and for self satisfaction and accomplishment,” Mr Faure said.

He received his award from the Minister for Tourism, Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Didier Dogley.

Air traffic control officer, Allen Banane, was second to Mr Faure with 40 years of service.

The other awardees are those who have clocked 10,15,20, 25, 30, and 40 years of service and they all received a certificate, shield and cash prize. 

Apart from only one individual in the 15 and 30 to 45 years, there were 22 staff members with 10 years of service, five with 20 years of service and six with 25 years of service.

Present to join the SCAA  in the celebration were the principal secretary for Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine, Garry Albert, the principal secretary for tourism Anne Lafortune, the board chairman of SCAA David Savy, other board members and SCAA officials and invited guests.

The event, celebrated always on the first Friday of July, was also marking 47 years since the first international flight -- a British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC) Super VC-10 -- landed at the Seychelles International Airport on July 4, 1971.

Addressing the gathering Minister Dogley, who is recent in the ministry, said that SCAA was very fortunate to have staff members -- some of whom are pioneers -- who have spent many dedicated years within the organisation and who have contributed significantly to the company’s great reputation its enjoys today.

“Although I have been sitting at the helm of the aviation portfolio for a little more than two months, it took me a couple of days to figure out the complexity and dynamism of such an industry. It is clear that civil aviation in Seychelles has made major progress since its humble beginnings in 1971,” he said, noting the countless efforts being made on a daily basis today to improve operations despite the many constraints faced by the small island airport.  

In terms of service delivery and quality services, Minister Dogley said he admired the dedication and willingness of those who continued to give their best to ensure that the airport remains not only safe and secure but also a point of reference when it comes to efficient management of airports in the region.

“Providing quality services at the airport is of paramount importance as our main customers are visitors on whom we depend for our daily bread. The first experience they have is the first encounter they experience with our staff at the airport. So your attitude to your work and the quality of service you provide has a direct bearing on the judgment our visitors have on us as a people,” he added, urging them to go beyond expectation to create positive lasting impressions for the customers.

Minister Dogley thanked the awardees, especially Mr Faure, for their loyalty, passion, dedication and perseverance demonstrated to SCAA for all the long years and he urged them to be role models and mentors to others following in their footsteps.

Apart from being congratulated by Minister Dogley and those present, the awardees were also congratulated by colleagues via video. Cynthia Azemia, air traffic control officer from Praslin, gave the vote of thanks on behalf of her colleagues.

 During the ceremony two long-serving staff, Dominic Savy (25 years) and Christian Vidot (10 years) were surprised with a cake on the occasion of their birthday that day.

The ceremony ended with a reception and dance.