Major air traffic system modernisation to enhance Seychelles’ Air Navigation Services |11 November 2022
SCAA controllers and engineers with Adacel instructors after completing two weeks factory training in August and September 2022 in Montreal
The quality of services provided to airlines travelling in the airspace under the control of Seychelles will receive a significant boost by the end of 2023 as the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) undertakes a hefty project to provide state-of-the-art services within the Seychelles Flight Information Region (FIR).
The modernisation entails a few projects running parallel, with one of the major ones being the replacement of the Air Traffic Management System, which has been in place since 2009. Having surpassed its 10-year lifespan, the system, inclusive of the consoles in all the air traffic control units, will be replaced by modern ones, along with its corresponding simulator. This will bring about an evolution in our services delivery, at the same time ensure compliance with local and international requirements.
Another significant component of the project is the implementation of Surveillance Control Service within the entire Seychelles FIR, whereby real-time position data will be received through modern surveillance sensors. Surveillance Control will increase our airspace capacity and efficiency. As a result, air operators will benefit from more efficient flight profiles resulting in fuel saving.
The project will be undertaken in two phases. The first phase will involve replacing the existing Air Traffic Management system and simulator by end of March 2023 with a continuation of procedural control service. Phase 2 will involve the implementation and transition to surveillance control service. It is planned the surveillance control service will be available by the end of 2023.
Louis Mancienne, head of Air Traffic Management at SCAA, said, “With the introduction of surveillance control service, and Ground and Space-Based ADS-B technology, Seychelles will achieve 100% of surveillance coverage in the Seychelles FIR. There is a need to secure appropriate sites where we can position our ground-based equipment, supported by a secure and robust digital network between Mahé and Praslin to guarantee connectivity of the communication and Air Traffic Management system. Furthermore, the need to train air traffic and technical personnel prior to the change cannot be overemphasised.”
Mid-August 2022, a team comprising operational and technical personnel underwent training at ADACEL Inc premises in Montreal, Canada; the company which was awarded the contract for the project. Part of the team also attended the Factory Acceptance Test (FAT), which followed the training.
The Seychelles delegation who recently attended the 41st ICAO General Assembly in Montreal, also took this opportunity to visit ADACEL Inc. and had the opportunity to see a demonstration of the system.
Press release from SCAA
