Upgraded Seychelles Airport Unveiled
The multi-million dollar upgrade of Seychelles’ International Airport has been officially unveiled after nearly a year and a half of work to modernise the 1972-built airport. The airport upgrade was opened by resident James Michel in front of a large audience including politicians, airport staff and technicians involved in the project. The ceremony formed part of activities to mark the 30th anniversary of Seychelles' Independence. “As we celebrate 30 years of our independence, we also celebrate our achievements in the aviation industry. We have come a long way, but there is so much more that we can achieve. Let the sky be limit of our aspirations and achievements,” the president said, speaking in the all-new international departures lounge. Joint funded by the Seychelles government and the Arab Bank for African Development (Badea) the Creole-style international airport upgrade was designed by local architects Berlouis Mondon/Design Studies and built by Allied Builders in a 16-month project. President Michel said that the upgrade plans had come about following a series of meetings, which had also resulted in the creation of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority. The head of the SCAA, Gilbert Faure, described the opening as, “another milestone in the history of civil aviation in Seychelles.” The renovation work, the vast majority of which has now been completed, has seen wide ranging changes, including extending the departure lounge from 792 square metres to 1620 square metres, the Commercially Important Passenger lounge from 32 square metres to 432 square metres and the Duty Free area from 126 square metres to 346 square metres.