Airport gets new runway sweeper |06 February 2015

The Seychelles International Airport has received a new runway sweeper.
The new heavy duty vehicle manufactured in the United Kingdom by a company called Johnston Sweeper Limited, was commissioned yesterday morning during a short ceremony at the Seychelles International Airport at Pointe Larue.

David Savy, chairman of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA), had the honour of cutting the ribbon to mark the commissioning.

The acceptance certificate was signed by the SCAA’s chief executive Gilbert Faure and an engineer from Johnston Sweepers Darryn Fisher.

Mr Fisher took time to explain the functions of the vehicle, which apart from its sweeping and cleaning equipment is fully computerised with an onboard diagnosis system and exterior cameras.

He also presented certificates to technicians and mechanics from the Airport Fire and Rescue Services whom he has trained to operate and maintain the machine.

Also present were airport general manager Patrick Hoareau, operations manager Ronald Fock-Tave, airport chief fire officer Marc Brutus, other fire officers and senior SCAA staff.

CEO Faure said the new equipment represents another milestone in ensuring the safety of passengers and aircraft using the Seychelles International Airport.

He added that the total investment of R3.7 million in the vehicle, spare parts and staff training is testimony of SCAA’s commitment to safety.

“The new equipment will make the Seychelles International Airport safer by keeping the airport’s runway, service road and apron free from hazardous debris.
We cannot attach a price to safety. It is not measured in rupees or dollars. We simply cannot function without a safe airport. Airports are very labour-intensive and we need to have a good equipment-replacement programme,” he said.

Mr Faure observed that with the new sweeper and a new fire engine which will arrive in June, Seychelles will have one of the best international airports in the region.

This new vehicle which can also deal with fuel or oil spillage replaces one which had been in service for the last 12 years.