Seychelles turning the Ocean green

Small island developing states (SIDS) are the most disaster-prone countries in the world. Climate change adaptation has been on Seychelles’ national agenda since 1992. Over the past decades, the country has developed broad national policies, roadmaps and strategies to face this challenging issue.

It is committed to reducing economy-wide absolute greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 293.8 ktCO2e in 2030 (26.4 per cent) compared with its business as usual (BAU) scenario.

It is also increasing its mitigation contribution and improving its strategies with a particular ey technology, financing and capacity building.

The net-zero emissions economy by 2050 target depends on a progressive shift to low carbon transport. Seychelles has thus designed a roadmap for the phased transition to a circular economy formphasis on Seychelles’ blue economy, enabled b the years 2030 to 2040.

The tourism and transport sectors are prime components of the nationally-determined contribution for climate change adaptation. International and national efforts combined seek to reduce overall GHG emissions from tourism by 20 per cent per visitor/day by 2030.

As a key contributor to the archipelago’s development, Air Seychelles has integrated sustainable practices into its daily operations to minimise carbon footprints in the local environment and across its network.

Key initiatives are: a fuel-efficient fleet of Airbus A320neo aircraft, which significantly reduces emissions; endemic bird naming and species conservation (support to the Seychelles National Parks Authority to save endangered bird species from extinction) and investment in communities where it operates, emphasising sustainable development and environmental awareness.

The carrier operates regionally from its home in Mahe to Tel Aviv, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Mauritius, and Colombo with Airbus A320NEOs. Domestically, the carrier operates up to 30 round trips per day to Praslin and charters to other islands on its twin-otter fleet.

In 2023, Air Seychelles was awarded the ‘World’s leading airline to the Indian Ocean’, ‘Indian Ocean’s leading airline economy class’ and ‘Indian Ocean’s leading airline brand’.

As a signatory to the Yamoussoukro decision, Seychelles is pursuing the air services liberalisation process for a competitive market.

Air Seychelles’ strategic partnership with Turkish Airlines has thus strengthened its footprint in the region through a well-defined route development and fleet renewal strategy.

The financial problems of other airlines in the region has been a blessing in disguise for Air Seychelles.

The airline is determined to fly further with a proactive green vision.