The department is responsible for the provision of a safe, effective and efficient air navigation service within the Seychelles Flight Information Region (FIR). This flight information region covers an area of approximately 2.63 million square kilometers and borders the flight information regions of Kenya, Somalia, India, Mauritius, Madagascar and Tanzania. The department encompasses the Air Traffic Management and Communication Navigation Surveillance divisions.

Air Traffic Management (ATM)

The ATM Division comprises of the following sections: Air Traffic Services (ATS) Responsible for the provision of air traffic control service, flight information service and alerting service to aircraft operating within the Seychelles FIR. The services are provided by competent air traffic Controllers who are trained and licensed in accordance with regulations derived from international standards. These Controllers manage a total of four ATS units described below:

1. En-route Oceanic Control Centre: Responsible for the provision of area control service to aircraft operating on ATS routes in the Seychelles flight information region excluding the terminal control area.
2. Approach Control Unit: Responsible for the provision of approach control service to aircraft arriving to and departing from Seychelles International Airport (SIA) excluding the Mahe and Praslin Towers Control Zones. This Unit is also responsible to provide air traffic control service to all flights over flying and operating at other aerodromes within the Control Area (CTA).
3. Mahé Control Tower: Responsible for the provision of aerodrome control service to aircraft operating in and out of SIA and aircraft operating in the SIA Control Zone (CTR).
4. Praslin Control Tower: Responsible for the provision of aerodrome control service to aircraft operating in and out of Praslin aerodrome and aircraft operating in the Praslin Control Zone (CTR).
   
   

Aeronautical Information Service (AIS)

Responsible for the provision of aeronautical data and aeronautical information necessary for the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation within the Seychelles FIR.

Search and Rescue (SAR)

Responsible to organise the establishment and prompt provision of search and rescue services within the Seychelles SAR region, which coincides with the Seychelles FIR, to ensure that assistance is rendered to persons in distress.

Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS)

Responsible to develop and maintain Instrument Approach Procedures (IAP), Standard Arrival Routes (STAR) and Standard Instrument Departure (SID) that are used to allow aircraft to land and take off when operating under Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) or when Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC) requires flight to operate under IFR.

Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS)

The division’s primary function is to ensure the highest reliability, availability, continuity, accuracy and integrity of CNS facilities for the provision of efficient and safe Air Navigation Services in the Seychelles FIR. It provides the following services:
• Aeronautical Fixed Service
• Aeronautical Mobile Service
• Aeronautical Radio Navigation Service
• Aeronautical Broadcasting Service
• Technical support to Air Traffic Management;

As its primary strategic objective, it invests in modern aeronautical telecommunications facilities to ensure that SCAA remains competitive in the provision of CNS services and Air Traffic Management in the Seychelles FIR.

CNS Engineering staff are globally referred to as “ATSEP” (Air Traffic Safety Electronic Personnel) consisting of Technicians and Engineers that are responsible for the specification, procurement, installation, calibration, maintenance, testing and certification of ground electronic system used to provide CNS and Air Traffic Management service. All the above services are available 24 hours.

Corporate Strategy 

The Corporate Strategy Section provides direct support to the CEO in strategic planning and governance oversight. It maintains a strategic overview of the organisation, to ensure a high level of integration, coordination and alignment across all departments, towards achieving the overall mission and vision of the organisation. It supports the execution of strategic objectives and initiatives through the development of action plans, driving analyses and the development of actionable recommendations. The section is also responsible for monitoring and evaluating corporate performance and facilitates endeavors that support the organization’s strategic goals and directions related to organizational development initiatives and culture.

Internal Audit, Compliance & Risk Management

The Internal Audit, Compliance & Risk Management Section provides independent, objective assurance and consulting services. It is designed to add value and improve operations. It helps the organisation accomplish its objectives by bringing a systematic, disciplined approach to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of risk management, control and governance processes.

Legal

The Legal unit has the overall function to proactively monitor and tackle all legal issues that actually or potentially affect the organization. It represents the authority in negotiations, arbitrations and litigations as necessary. This unit also has oversight and reviews compliance with national laws and international obligations and any amendments thereto.

The Safety Management System (SMS) office

The Safety Management System (SMS) office is responsible for the implementation and continuous improvement of SCAA’s Safety Management System which includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of safety risk. It provides organization-wide guidance and support to managing safety risks and assuring the effectiveness of safety risk controls through a pre- determined framework approved by the Regulator.

The Commercial Department is responsible for implementation of strategic plans focused on the organization’s strategies to advance the commercial prospects of our businesses and drive to attain five star customer services.

Air Transport

The primary role of the Air Transport Division is to engage in international planning and cooperation with the aim of creating new opportunities for further development of the aviation industry in Seychelles. It participates in negotiations at bilateral and multilateral levels, with the aim of securing traffic rights and new market opportunities for both local and international carriers operating to the country. To leverage and further the organization’s economic advantages and potential for aeronautical activities, the Air Transport Business Office identifies, monitors and assesses different measures and new developments, under the guidance and conformity with international and national policies, laws and regulations. The office is also responsible to introduce and implement alongside the required stakeholders, economic oversight of all aeronautical revenue and services related to aeronautical revenue generation, to ensure compliance and transparency. Additionally, it coordinates and supports the implementation of the carbon emissions reduction plans, eco-friendly plans, programmes and strategies, for the Environment Protection under the guidance of established international and national regulations and policies.

Statistics and Forecasting

Monitors regional and international trends in airport traffic and ensures SCAA has reliable, complete and proper archiving of data. It collects, compiles, processes and analyses air transport statistics. The division plans, organizes and supervises the implementation of airport survey and share findings. Therefore providing reliable data and forecasts on seating capacity, passengers and cargo in the short, medium and long-term to support decision making and policy directions.

Business Development

Responsible for the airport non-aeronautical business strategy, commercial relationships, generation and development of new business opportunities which will contribute to enhance the airport revenue. Its major role is to identify, negotiate and manage the strategic relationships between the Seychelles International Airport, the Authority and commercial partners, with a view to substantially increase revenue from commercial sources. It is also actively engaged in promoting the image and business activities of the airports, develop and coordinate the implementation of customer services enhancement strategy and programs.

Marketing Division

The core function of the Marketing division relates to developing the Seychelles Airports Brand and support commercial development at the airport through promotions and events aimed at generating non-aeronautical revenue. Implementation of innovative services to enhance the passenger experience and bring more foot traffic at the airport to use the services and facilities for the airport to function as a business. The marketing section also supports air transport in terms of strategic routes and destination development with its parent ministry – to boost tourism industry in the country.
The office provides customer care services for passengers and airport users, providing first line services on a 24hour to facilitate customers with information services. It also supports the customer awards program incentive at the airport aimed at monitoring and evaluating service delivery, assists with passenger surveys, complaints and airport events.

Corporate Communications Division

The Corporate Communication division implements well planned strategies and policies to shape, maintain and promote the SCAA’s reputation and image. Its core function is to communicate the organisation’s ultimate goals and ongoing developments through information provided to the media and social media. It also delivers the authority’s strategic message to all stakeholders and most importantly keep employees informed about the direction of the organisation. The division ensures actions are taken to maintain constant flow of information both internally and externally. It further coordinates CSR activities, branding of the organisation, and some of the SCAA’s main events to guarantee that the authority retains the standard of a leading organisation in Seychelles.

It is also the Corporate Communication responsibility to put in place the required structure for crisis communication, so that best practices are adopted when misfortunes befall us.

The main function of the Engineering and Technical Service Division is to provide technical services for the proper operation of the Seychelles International Airport and the Praslin Airport. They provide primary and secondary power supply to the airport and ensure the upkeep and availability of airfield lighting system, airport fire tenders, rescue boats and SCAA’s vehicle fleet. The division is also responsible for the upkeep of several electromechanical, electrical systems and equipment, security equipment, baggage handling system and air conditioning that is all essential for safe, reliable and efficient airport operations.

Under its auspices is the Maintenance Unit, which is responsible for the up keep of all buildings, airport facilities and ground maintenance.

The Finance Department is one of the core functions within the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority.

The primary functions of the Department is to provide the following; 

• Financial Management
• Budgeting & Forecasting
• Financial Reporting
• Cash flow management
• Operational accounting
• Accounts Payable & Disbursement
• Revenue Management
• Procurement
• Inventory and Asset Management.

The Finance Department provides information and advice to the management necessary to make strategic decisions, promote transparency in the processing of transactions. The Department also ensures quality accounting and financial management services are provided to the organization and this involves planning, developing and implementing accounting policy, systems and procedures; computerization of accounting systems; and monitoring revenue collection and expenditure as approved by the Board.

There are 3 main divisions within the Finance Department manned by a total of 24 staff;

• Corporate Financial Management
• Accounting Operations and Disbursement
• Procurement and Purchasing

The main objective of the department is to provide Human Resources and Administrative support to the organization. The department is comprised of three divisions; Human Resources Management, Training and Administration.

 

Human Resources

The division is responsible in developing a professional workforce for the organization. A critical aspect of the division’s function is to ensure that the Authority has a pool of qualified professionals, who are self-motivated, self-disciplined and self-driven to meet its current objectives and future goals in human resources. Its main areas of function are Recruitment, Employee Relations, Compensation and Benefits, Database and Information Management, Psychological and Welfare, and Occupational Health & Safety. The division acts as a strategic partner providing guidance and advice to other departments in line with established policies and the law.

Training

The Training Division ensures the organization has a pool of well trained and competent staff to meet the organisational objectives. It seeks to empower individuals’ competency for better efficiency and delivery. It provides support, coordinates and processes learning and development interventions in line with approved policy, plan and budget. The division also monitors and evaluates these activities in order to ensure the organisation gets a return on its investment.

Administration

Provides administrative support and guidance to all Departments through the development, implementation and regular review of relevant procedures and policies related to staff welfare.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is a division within the Administration Department. It is responsible for the cleanliness and hygiene of all airport terminals and facilities. Housekeepers are ever-present 24/7 and to ensure that the atmosphere is welcoming and comfortable for all airport users.

Delivers quality infrastructure and facilities in support of SCAA’s business strategies and drives innovation and efficiency by implementing the right ICT resources and services that will enable the authority to achieve its business objectives. The Department has two Divisions under its umbrella:

Infrastructure Projects Division (IPD)

Plans airport infrastructure development and implements the airport master plan in an efficient, effective and feasible manner. It puts in place infrastructures in support of SCAA’s business objectives. The division designs SMART buildings and infrastructures that are aesthetically pleasing, comfortable and convenient, safe and secure, and environment friendly. Furthermore, it ensures that investment in capital development projects are viable and bring a return on investment through well planned budget and funding models, as well as effective contract management.

Information & Communications Technology Division (ICT)

The division puts in place the right ICT infrastructures, systems and services which aligns with SCAA’s business objectives to ensure reliability, availability and cost effectiveness of ICT facilities and services. It empowers employees in their delivery with the right ICT tools. In order to do so, it establishes frameworks, policies and standards to ensure the security of company data and resources, and put in place controls for a strong cyber security posture.

Provides a key role towards the safe and efficient operations of the entire air transport system. It leads development, strategic and operational management of both the Seychelles International Airport, and Praslin airport. It ensures the authority’s compliance with national and international safety standards. Furthermore, it is the divisions’ responsibility to uphold security certification, and regulations and ensuring that services are of high quality.

Terminal & Landside Operations

Responsible for facilitation of various operations and services within the terminals and landside operational areas. It ensures that terminal facilities and service delivery equipment are in good functioning order with contingency plans to maintain operations. It is their responsibility to maintain various terminal management services related to passengers and airport users’ experience.

Airside Operations

Its primary purpose is to operate and manage infrastructure and operations on the airside of the Seychelles International Airport. The Division ensures safety and efficiency as required by our customers and in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) regulatory standards.

This section manages the runway, taxiways, aprons at the Seychelles International Airport. Responsibilities under the Division’s purview include the of management parking stands, access permits, infrastructure, wildlife, airside projects, accidents and incidents responses

The Division ensures that as far as practicable, all passengers airlines, Ground Handling Agent, other service providers, airport staff and passengers are provided with a level of service, safety, comfort and convenience that meets international requirements and expectations.

Airport Fire and Rescue Services

The principle objective of Seychelles International Airport Fire and Rescue Services is to save lives in the event of an aircraft accident or incident. This objective must assume the possibility of, and need for, extinguishing a fire that may occur immediately following an aircraft accident or incident, or at any time during rescue operations, including the suppression of cabin fires and rescue of aircraft occupants. Airport Fire and Rescue Services provides the initial response to an incident, pending the arrival of the Town Fire Brigade. Equipped with fire tenders specifically designed to meet the standards as per the respective categories of airports, the division ensures that officers are able to reach the scene of a crash within two minutes, and not exceeding 3 minutes as per ICAO requirements. A Fire Service control room monitors the runways and is permanently manned by Fire Crew. It is the central point for all emergencies and alert, and contains the "Crash Alarm’’. Moreover the division is equipped with sea rescue facilities and trained personal to intervene in the event of aircraft accident at sea.

Praslin Airport

Provides aviation services which cater for the needs and demands of the travelling public, businesses and the tourism industry. With a runway of 1405 meters long and modern airfield lighting facilities and services provided by SCAA, Praslin Airport, also known as Ile Des Palmes is currently receiving over 1,100 aircraft movements (scheduled and none scheduled) and over 10,000 passengers monthly. The airport is opened twenty-four hours for all scheduled flights. Praslin Airport is equipped with all the standard equipment to permit international check-in and security services. It has the capacity to cater for light aircraft from other countries.

AVSEC (Implementation)

The Aviation Security Service is mandated with the responsibilities of providing security to airports in Seychelles in accordance with ICAO annex 17 (safe guarding aviation against acts of unlawful interference) which is critical for its operations in normal operating conditions and in instances where there is a security threat.

It also implements security measures to safe-guard passengers, crew, ground personnel, general public, aircraft and facilities at airports against any illegal activities on the ground or inflight. Furthermore, it provides quality assurance in aviation security, and permissions to access restricted areas of the airports.

The Safety Regulation Department of the Authority (SCAA) is vested with the responsibility of ensuring a balanced and cost effective approach to safety oversight inclusive of initial certification and continued surveillance that ensures the development and operation of civil air transport in Seychelles is safe, and in accordance with national and international standards and requirements.

Seychelles as a signatory to the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) Chicago Convention (hence being a Contracting State) has committed itself to the provision of a standardised and internationally accepted approach to the regulation and safety oversight of civil air transport. When permitting or undertaking local or international aviation activities within this mandate, Seychelles incurs certain obligations under the Chicago Convention, its Annexes and applicable Standards.

“Safety Oversight” is defined, as a function by means a State shall ensure the effective implementation of safety related Standards (SARPs) and Recommended Practices, associated Annexes to the Convention on Civil Aviation and related ICAO documents. However, is not limited to these Standards. Sufficient flexibility exists for individual States to make provisions it considers (through experience and expertise), over and above ICAO Standards. In this way Safety Oversight ensures that national aviation industry provides a safety level equal to, or better than that defined by the ICAO SARPs. The responsibility of States for safety oversight covers the complete spectrum of civil aviation in their State and aircraft registered in their State operating in other Contracting States.

As such, an individual State’s responsibility for safety oversight is the foundation upon which safe global aircraft operations are built. The lack of safety oversight in one State therefore threatens the health of international civil aircraft operation. Seychelles responsibilities cannot be underestimated in this regard as safety oversight is a major obligation the implementation of which ensures the continued safety, regularity and efficiency of civil air transport.

The safety oversight obligations of the unit are targeted at six main areas:

1. Airworthiness
2. Flight Operations
3. Personnel Licensing Office
4. Aerodrome Standards
5. Air Navigation Standards
6. AVSEC