AIR SEYCHELLES CELEBRATES THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ITS SEYCHELLOIS FEMALE WORKFORCE ON WOMEN’S DAY
(Posted 07th March 2019)
Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles, is today celebrating the achievement of its Seychellois women labour force in honour of International Women’s Day.
Sharing over 32 years of experience with the national airline Vania Larue, Head of Ground Services, recalled the first time she joined the airline industry: “I remember when I joined the airline in 1987 as a Traffic Assistant and how over the years I have managed to build my knowledge and experience in the field through the various trainings provided. At first it was a bit intense as I had no idea about the business, but today after having occupied several positions within the traffic and ground services department, I am proud of my achievements with Air Seychelles and happy to impart my knowledge with other staff members.”
With over 30 years of progressive commercial airline experience in both Canada and the Seychelles, Francisca Moonsammy, Head of Cabin Operations also commented: “During my journey in the airline industry, I was immensely blessed to be given ample opportunities to develop myself across various areas of the business including in the existing senior leadership role to oversee the multiple functions of cabin operations. With the continuous support of the airline, hard work, right attitude and determination, I believe there is absolutely nothing I cannot accomplish as a woman.”
Juliette Pascal, Manager Cargo Handling and Performance explained: “To reach the stage where I am presently in my career as I mark 20 years of service with Air Seychelles is thanks to the trainings provided, support of the cargo team, my family and the people who have crossed my path along this journey.”
Luciana Telemaque, Head of Procurement and Supply Chain added: “Having the chance to diversify my experience across various areas of the business including finance, information technology and now procurement is indeed fascinating and I am very proud to celebrate my 29 years of service with Air Seychelles.”
Air Seychelles employs 725 staff members of which 329 are women. In total 16 Seychellois women forms part of the airline’s senior management team occupying key leadership roles in procurement, flight operations, ground services, finance, cargo, sales and distribution, corporate affairs, project management, legal, treasury as well as government and aero-political affairs.
As a small developing airline, Air Seychelles is extremely proud of its small cadre of Seychellois female pilots and engineers. At present, the airline’s flight operations team comprises of three Seychellois female pilots, of which one is a Turbo Prop Fleet pilot and two are Jet Fleet pilots, whilst its technical operations team consist of one Seychellois female engineer and one female aircraft technician.
Jet Fleet First Officer, Keryn Madeleine said: “I joined Air Seychelles in August 2006 and up to now I can clearly say that the opportunities I received and continue to obtain as a women in this industry are similar to that given to the male workforce. I am content that the airline is empowering both women and men in their job equally”.
Turbo Prop Fleet First Officer, Marvel Didon also commented: “I have only been with the company for 7 months now and Air Seychelles has definitely been a dream come true because I truly feel blessed for the opportunity given in addition to being part of a company that promotes gender equality. Air Seychelles has helped me grow, improved my confidence and overall has increased my love for the job in the aviation industry. As a woman, I believe the sky is the limit and the opportunities given at Air Seychelles are endless. All we have to do as a woman is to remain motivated and work hard to reap the results that we want at the end of the day.”
Rebecca Morel, Aircraft Technician explained: “Following my studies overseas I was given the chance to join Air Seychelles technical operations team and it has been 8 months now that I have been working with the airline. Given that the workforce in this area comprises mostly of men I have never felt left out of the team who have created a sense of belonging from day one when I joined the company, I am glad to work and be part of the team”.
Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “ Tomorrow as the world marks International Women’s Day, I would like to seize this opportunity to recognize the hard work, success and remarkable achievements of all the ladies at Air Seychelles. As challenges in achieving a balanced gender quality in organizations still persist globally, I am delighted that Air Seychelles have managed to maintain a more gender equal world between the men and women employed in the company. As we nurture the leaders of the future, we will continue to elevate Seychellois women to the forefront of aviation in addition to encouraging young girls planning their careers to keep breaking barriers by joining aviation fields such as pilot and engineering which are still highly dominated by men. For keeping up with the challenges and for remaining committed to the airline, I wish all the women at Air Seychelles a Happy International Women’s Day!”.
