Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has stated that the growth of the national flag carrier, Maldivian, was hindered due to the poor policies implemented by previous administrations.
Speaking at the launching ceremony of Maldivian’s first wide-body aircraft on Monday, the Minister shed light on the airline’s history and outlined the government’s vision for its future.
In his remarks, the Minister noted the potential of long-distance flights to far destinations, given the large number of tourists that visit the Maldives annually. However, until now, the flights could not be launched due to the misguided policies of past governments, he said.
Minister Ameen highlighted that at the end of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM)’s administration ended in 2018, Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), the parent company of Maldivian, was a profit-making company with strong policies. However, the airline suffered serious losses due to policies implemented by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government, he noted.
“Several seaplane contracts were at a standstill. The airline’s best airbus, acquired in 2022, was abandoned. Spare parts were being taken from Dash-1 aircraft in operation, rendering four aircraft unusable. We are now attempting to recover millions in loans mismanaged during this period. The result of such mismanagement is the company being driven into significant debt,” the Minister said.
Noting that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has initiated tremendous efforts to develop and strengthen the national airline, the Minister expressed his confidence that IASL will become a debt-free and profitable company.
“Reforming the company’s management system is key to its recovery. The aim is to acquire additional aircraft for each fleet. Operating an airline is a risky and costly operation, yet, it will bring significant economic contribution to the country,” he added.
The Minister further noted the introduction of wide-body aircraft and commencing cross-country flights to distant destinations are key pledges of the President, as well as a shared hope of those in the aviation sector. The addition of a wide-body aircraft to Maldivian will increase the number of tourists airline in the Maldives, while also increasing seaplane operations and domestic flights, ultimately benefiting the national economy, he added.
IASL, established in 2000, now operates a fleet of 25 aircraft including the newly added wide-body aircraft.