Air Seychelles Technical Operations hosts open day for SIT students

Air Seychelles, the national airline of the Republic of Seychelles opened its doors to a group of students from the Seychelles Institute of Technology (SIT) at its premises in Pointe Larue today, Wednesday, 24 October, 2018.

The students were invited to meet with the Air Seychelles technical operations team to learn about the various roles and services offered by the airline.

Upon arrival at the location, the students were taken on a guided tour of the maintenance hangar by Manager Aircraft Maintenance, Darrel Woodruff where they had the chance to view the facility in addition to meeting with the Head of Technical Operations, Gustave Pragassen who shared his 35 years of experience working with the national airline.

Gustave Pragassen, Head of Technical Operations said: “I started my career with Air Seychelles in 1983 as a Technician similarly like a few other Seychellois colleagues within the technical operations department.

“We then attended several theory courses overseas at the Aviation College, followed by practical on-the-job training to be fully certified as Aircraft Engineers which usually takes between four to five years.

“Today I must say that am very happy to see the number of students who turn-out for the visit and moreover I am delighted to impart my knowledge with them to further inspire them throughout their studies and eventually throughout their future career.”

As part of the visit the students also had the opportunity to view the maintenance team in action on the ramp at the Seychelles International Airport. The team was conducting a routine maintenance work on a Twin Otter DHC-6 400 aircraft before it commence its journey to Praslin later in the afternoon.

Remco Althuis, Chief Executive Officer of Air Seychelles said: “Air Seychelles has been in partnership with the SIT for over the past six years and every year at a specific time we always welcome a number of students from the institution at our establishment as part of the internship programme.

“Therefore the visit today will not only allow the students to gain a detailed background about the various functions conducted within the technical operations department but it will also enable them to know in advance what is expected of them when they come for work attachment at our premises.

“In addition I am pleased to announce that Air Seychelles will soon be extending its memorandum of understanding with the institution to ensure we continue to support the students with on-the-job training and eventually career opportunities as and when available.”

The visit which ended with the students sharing a souvenir photo with the Air Seychelles team forms part of the week-long activities being organised, as the airline countdown to its 40th anniversary on Friday, 26 October, 2018.