Seychelles was represented by a high-level delegation at the 42nd session of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal, Canada, which ended on 3rd October 2026.
Leading the delegation was Mr David Bianchi, Principal Secretary for the Department of Civil Aviation, Ports and Marine (DCAPM), with Mr Garry Albert, Chief Executive Officer of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) as the alternate delegation head.
The ICAO Assembly is held every three years, gathering its 193 member states to address pertinent issues affecting air transport, airports and air navigation services. This year’s meeting was being held under the theme ‘Safe Skies, Sustainable Future’, acknowledging the fast-paced growth of aviation as a critical driver for economic development. The ongoing dialogue will culminate in a set of policy outcomes that will guide the global aviation sector in the next triennium.
The Assembly sessions provide member states with the opportunity to debate on ICAO’s budget, policies, and strategic direction in various areas, including safety, security, environment and economic developments. It also approves amendments to the Chicago Convention and endorses updates to global aviation plans such as the Global Air Navigation Plan and the Global Aviation Safety Plan.
Seychelles’ presence ensured our national positions are safeguarded in these key decisions and our international interests are promoted, and in this regard, with the delegation taking part in the voting process to elect members of the ICAO Council, which is the governing body of ICAO responsible for implementing the decisions of the Assembly over the next three years.
During the week-long event, Seychelles was currently engaging with its global aviation partners, with many opportunities to highlight some of its major achievements and cooperation avenues. An information paper was also presented to the Executive Committee of the Assembly on the structural changes to SCAA, reflecting efforts to comply with ICAO’s Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs).
Other delegates accompanying the Principal Secretary and the CEO of SCAA includedMr David Labrosse, Director of Safety and Security Regulation at SCAA, Ms Florence Marengo, Director of Aviation Development and Economic Regulation at SCAA, Mr Afzal Dias, Senior Policy Analyst at the Ministry of Transport and Mr Kurtis Lespoir, Air Transport Manager at SCAA.
SOURCE: scaa.sc
