New accord signed to redevelop Seychelles airport

As Seychelles grows in popularity as a holiday destination, the Abu Dhabi Airports Company has agreed to work closely with the government of Seychelles on the redevelopment of its international airport at Pointe Larue.

This follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) yesterday between Foreign Affairs and Transport Minister Joël Morgan and Ali Majed Al Mansoori, chairman of Abu Dhabi Airports.

The MoU further strengthens the ties between the governments of Abu Dhabi and Seychelles.

H.E Ali Majed Al Mansoori, commented: “Abu Dhabi Airports is delighted to be able to work closely with the government of Seychelles on the redevelopment of their international airport. As the Seychelles grows in popularity as a holiday destination for UAE tourists and visitors from around the world, the need to keep up with the demands and expectations of the travel market has never been more important. Our aim is to help deliver an updated passenger terminal operating to the highest international standards.”

He added: “This MoU enhances our growing international reputation as a world-class airport operator, driving us further towards our vision of becoming the world’s leading airports group. We look forward to the benefits that this agreement will bring to both countries.”

As for Minister Morgan he said: “It is a pleasure for me this day to sign this memorandum of understanding between the Seychelles Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Transport and the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC) confirming an interest by both parties to enter into talks discussing the future and way forward of our airport operations at the Seychelles International Airport.”

“Discerning travellers, who include our very own citizens, are demanding more for their travel experience, which for all starts at our airport. Seychelles International Airport has the potential to deliver much, much more, and this MoU signifies that ADAC believes in us and the growing opportunities in the Seychelles. This approach as well will confirm to all our airline partners who have been flying to Seychelles, or who have recently announced their intention to fly to Seychelles, that something more is being done that will have the potential to positively complement their efforts. For our national carrier, Air Seychelles, this provides them with the opportunity to grow their product and range of services even further. Our discussion will focus on what can be delivered for Seychelles and what improvements can be further made so that our airport can be not only a step ahead, but leaps ahead of the competition for generations to come.”

The Abu Dhabi Airports is a public joint-stock company wholly owned by the Abu Dhabi government. It was incorporated by Amiri Decree number 5, issued on March 4, 2006, to spearhead the development of the Emirate's aviation infrastructure. In September 2006, Abu Dhabi Airports assumed responsibility for the operation and management of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain International Airports. In 2008, Abu Dhabi Airports added Al Bateen Executive Airport (an exclusive business aviation airport), as well as Sir Bani Yas and Delma Island Airports to its portfolio. These airports are geared to serve the various segments of air travellers, the aviation marketplace, and will help contribute to Abu Dhabi’s development as a destination for both business and leisure tourism.

Currently under way is the multi-billion dollar re-development and expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport designed to increase the overall capacity of the airport to more than 45 million passengers per year. As part of this redevelopment, a second runway and a third terminal have been completed.

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