New laws, authority for civil aviation |24 March 2005

The Civil Aviation Bill (2005) and the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority Bill (2005) were both presented to the  Assembly on Tuesday by Vice-President Joseph Belmont, in his capacity as the minister responsible for Transport .

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will replace the Directorate of Civil Aviation which has been in operation over the past three decades. It will be responsible for the management of aerodromes and other essential services and functions relating to civil aviation. The Authority will be administered by a Board of Directors to be appointed by the minister responsible for Transport. Certain members of the Board have already been identified and will be appointed after the official enactment of the Bill.

The endorsement of the Civil Aviation Bill means the repeal of the Civil Aviation Act 1949 (Overseas Territories) Order 1969 (Cap 31) extended to Seychelles by the United Kingdom during colonial rule.

VP Belmont said that when it becomes law, the Civil Aviation Bill will retain the substance of the repealed law, but will include four main alterations. These include provisions for fines in Seychelles Rupees compared to pound sterling as formerly expressed, detention and sale of aircraft for recovery of unpaid charges, offences that can be committed and provisions for the subsidiary legislation, Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order, to remain in force until the appropriate amendment is made.

VP Belmont said government plans to update and modernise all its existing laws to meet international norms and conventions, as well as standards set for investments.

In addition to the offshore sector and commercial port, civil aviation is another key economic area earmarked for greater development, he said.

The setting up of the Civil Aviation Authority, VP Belmont explained, forms part of  government’s plans to give more autonomy to certain institutions to render them more economically viable. The successful establishment of the Port Authority, he said, is a clear example of that.

VP Belmont said civil aviation is a dynamic sector generating important revenues and catering for additional activities in support of the tourism, fishery and employment sectors, but has the potential for further commercial growth and attract new businesses and investments for the airports.

Through the Authority greater transparency and efficiency is expected in the management of civil aviation. The model of administration chosen for Seychelles, he said, is similar to those in small countries like Mauritius and Singapore and in line with our level of development.

The members who intervened focused mainly on the need for effective implementation of the airport safety and security measures and importance of public-private partnership to exploit the opportunities for commercial growth as provided by the principles of the bills.

Honourable Norbert Lepathy said the Authority has the opportunity to attract new businesses and already two airlines, namely Orion Airlines (based in Singapore) and Vietnam Airlines had, according to him, registered their aircraft in Seychelles.

Besides airline registration fees, the Authority, he said, can also collect other revenues under the Air Navigation Charges for services rendered to aircraft using our air space.
The revenue being collected annually in foreign exchange, he said, is worth R15 million.

Hon. Dick Esparon spoke about possibilities of developing an airport transhipment hub, whereas Hon. Patrick Herminie, the Leader of Government Business, said the success of the entity relies on top-notch customer services.

Both Hon. Rukaiya Jumaye and Hon. Nicholas Prea said they were satisfied that the laws governing civil aviation did make provisions for the implementation of stricter airport and air navigation security measures, while Hon. Wavel Ramkalawan, the Leader of the Opposition and Hon. Annette Georges said they hoped government would abide by the principles and implement the regulations in the legislation fully.

Hon. Charles Decomarmond and Hon. Dan Frichot were hopeful that the new development in civil aviation would create more employment for the youth and boost knowledge in technical areas.
Other members who gave their reactions included Marie-Louise Potter and Bernard Georges.