Seychelles Roundup: National airline expansion, childhood immunisation, Pakistani-Seychelles partnerships
Seychelles National Airline expansion plans
Seychelles’ national airline, Air Seychelles has indicated plans to expand their fleet in 2026/27 with a plane to fly to Europe. The airline has been profitable over the past two years and is focused on new opportunities, including expanding into the Asian market. Sandy Benoiton, CEO of Air Seychelles, said that the company's financial stability and future plans have been discussed. She also credits the resilience of the staff for the company's success, Seychelles News Agency reports.
Blue whales discovered in Seychelles
Recent survey findings in Seychelles reveal the sighting of over a dozen blue whales for the first time since 1966. This marks a successful recovery for the largest animal on Earth. The survey also found 23 whale species in total, with peak activity between December 2023 and April 2024. According to Good News Network, the Seychelles are located in the Indian Ocean off the east coast of Africa, and they historically served as a stopover point for Soviet whalers on their way to Antarctica. Many whales were taken between 1963 and 1966 from this point before the International Convention on the Regulation of Whaling put an end to the practice of hunting baleen whales in 1973.
Coral Festival inaugurated
The first-ever Seychelles Coral Festival has been held by the Seychelles Parks and Garden Authority (SPGA), highlighting the importance of protecting corals and their role in the local economy and environment. Various organisations and professionals participated in the festival to promote conservation projects and educate the public about the impact of coral bleaching. The event also provided information about potential investments in the Blue Economy and opportunities for entrepreneurs and investors to apply for the Blue Grants Fund 8. The festival aimed to raise awareness and encourage people to take steps to protect coral reefs for future generations, the Seychelles News Agency reports.
Childhood immunisation successes
Seychelles is celebrating 50 years of successful childhood immunisation, achieving high vaccination coverage for essential vaccines and potentially becoming the first African country to receive measles elimination certification. The country's stable economy, high literacy rates, and political commitment have played key roles in this success. WHO has been a key partner in strengthening Seychelles' immunization programme, providing technical guidance, financial support, and training for health workers, according to the World Health Organisation Seychelles.
Pakistan, Seychelles sign bilateral agreements
The outgoing Pakistani high commissioner to Seychelles Muhammad Arshad Jan Pathan has announced plans for new trade and defence agreements between the two countries. The Pakistani and Seychelles governments are hopeful for the signing of bilateral agreements and memorandums of understanding in areas such as trade, drug trafficking control, health services, and population. Talks also included negotiations to revise the bilateral air service agreement and cooperation in maritime security, Seychelles News Agency reports.
