President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu inaugurates the new fuel farm and the services of the fuel hydrant system of Velana International Airport (VIA). The inauguration took place at the airport, and was attended by President Dr. Muizzu, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, government dignitaries and senior officials from Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL).
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, CEO and Managing Director of MACL Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed revealed that the previous fuel farm had the capacity to store 13 million litres of fuel, while the new fuel farm developed has the capacity to store 45 million litres of jet fuel. In addition to this, the new fuel farm would also be able to store one million litres of diesel and 100,000 litres of petrol.
In his address, Managing Director Shareef stated that the commencement of services from the fuel hydrant network will significantly reduce the time spent on refuelling aircrafts. The network spanning 8.4km will be able to refuel seven aircrafts simultaneously, according to MACL. Shareef stated that the development of the airport will not only reduce expenses for airlines, but also pave the path to welcome additional airlines to the Maldives.
Furthermore, he stated that if works went as planned previously, these services will be commenced after a wait of one more year. However, he lauded President Dr. Muizzu's steadfast efforts to expedite the development of VIA.