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Seychelles celebrates aviation milestone |05 July 2021

Seychelles celebrates  aviation milestone

On July 4, 1971, 50 years ago, we welcomed the first commercial jet, the BOAC VC10, to Seychelles. This moment in history, which heralded a new era by introducing tourism through aviation, expanded the country’s potential to develop into an economy driven by both tourism and trade.

The Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) did not miss this opportunity to commemorate this major event.

Today’s Golden Jubilee celebration makes us reminisce about half a century of determination, perseverance and hard work, all thanks to a team of former DCA and current SCAA employees. They have helped pave the way to the country’s accomplishments throughout the years, and we will continue to strive to bring this industry and our country forward with renewed determination.

 

History of the Seychelles International Airport

The Seychelles International Airport was officially opened on March 20, 1972, by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, although since the 1970s Wilkenair of Kenya was operating a weekly ferry service between Mombasa and Mahé, via Diego Suarez in Madagascar and Astove Island (Seychelles) using a twin engine Piper Navajo.

At the time of the opening, the airport’s runway was only 2987 metres long with a control tower, and all ground handling operations were undertaken by the Directorate of Civil Aviation better known as DCA.

The first jet aircraft to land at Seychelles International Airport was the BOAC Super VC10 on July 4, 1971, which opened the Seychelles to increased tourism traffic. The growth of tourism also heightened the aviation industry propelling an expansion of the current structure to meet further demands for larger aircraft to access the airport.

In July 1980, a new terminal building accommodating 400 arriving and departing passengers was built together with parking bays for up to six large jet aircraft such as the Boeing 767 or the Airbus A330 including additional parking area for five light aircraft such as the Boeing 737 or the Airbus A320.

The years 2005-2006 brought along further developments in Civil Aviation in the Seychelles, in the form of the enactment of The Civil Aviation Authority Act on April 4, 2006 which allowed for the corporatisation of the Directorate of the Civil Aviation to the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority as it is today.

Further to this, additional parking areas were made available at the airport in order to handle the parking of private charters and long stay aircraft which had significantly increased.

Continuous rise in passenger traffic over the years resulted in infrastructural expansion of the airport in 2016. The International Arrival Terminal underwent refurbishment to modernise its interiors while the International Departure Lounge was fitted with an extra mezzanine floor to increase seating capacity. 2018 witnessed a new Inadmissible Persons Facility for temporary accommodation of prohibited persons and the Extension of the Domestic Terminal which was officially opened by President Danny Faure in June, 2019.

 

Consolidating the New Vision

SCAA virtually launches its new vision to staff – ‘A leading organisation bringing excellence to your aviation experience’ – through a special video.

Commenting on this new vision, the organisation’s chief executive, Garry Albert, said: “I wanted an opportunity to better communicate our new vision and renew our commitment to excel in all that we do. I believe that there is no better time than when we are celebrating 50 years of hard work and dedication, and at a time where the organisation is embracing new challenges and goals so that we grow and become a leader in the industry.”

Despite the special mentions, it is worth noting that all staff including the airport stakeholders and members of the public have played an important role in this journey, and that it will be important that we all celebrate together as the aviation family!

In 2022, the Seychelles International Airport will celebrate 50 years of its official opening by Queen Elizabeth.

 

Fun Facts

The ICAO code for Seychelles Airport are (IATA: SEZ, ICAO: FSIA),
1971 - Wilkenair of Kenya operated a weekly service at Seychelles International Airport using a twin engine Piper Navajo.
1971 March - Tony Bentley-Buckle was the first pilot to land at Seychelles airport, flying his private plane from Mombasa to Mahé via Moroni in 9 hours 35 minutes.
1971 November - East African Airways flew to Seychelles
1971 December - Luxair landed here.
1971 July – BOAC Super VC10 was the first jet aircraft to land at the Seychelles International Airport.
1972 March – Official opening of the airport by Queen Elizabeth 11
1972 – Air Mahé became the first local company to operate flights between Praslin, Fregate and Mahé using a Piper PA-34 Seneca, and later a Britten-Norman Islander.
1973 – Aviation Seychelles Company carried out ground handling and airport operations.
1974 – 30 airlines operated in Seychelles

1986 – Concorde came to Seychelles carrying the French President, François Mitterrand.

SIA has the largest underground water harvesting system storing 20,000 cubic litres of water.
All airport fire engines use water from harvesting water tanks saving gallons.

 

Compiled by Vidya Gappy

Photos credit: SCAA

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