The operator of the Maldives’ national airline, Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has successfully obtained the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part 145 approval certificate. This certification authorises IASL to provide aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul servicing for European-registered aircraft.
Part-145 is an international framework for aircraft maintenance that is used by global aviation authorities. The certificate is issued by aviation authorities across the world. The most widely accepted frameworks are issued by the Federal Aviation Administraition (FAA) and EASA.
Island Aviations engineers have obtained certification from 12 international authorities including the USA. Following the obtaining of the EASA Part 145 approval certificate, the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen congratulated Maldivian on the achievement. He said the achievement was expedited under President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s national airline reform and modernisation agenda, and helps strengthen the aviation sector.
With the obtainment of the certificate, IASL can now service aircraft registered in Europe. While a large number of aircraft already receive services from the Maldives at the main international airport, Velana International Airport, the EASA Part-145 certification will allow services to be offered to aircraft from additional airlines.
IASL’s Director of Engineering Operations, Mohamed Hassan said the certification will enable IASL to offer services to additional airlines, as well as resolve encountered in operations in a timely manner. It also presents valuable opportunities for those working in the national airline and those who wish to succeed in the field, it noted.
IASL employee are already capable of providing maintenance services to most aircraft that arrive in the Maldives. This includes large wide-body aircraft such as Airbus, Boeing 777 and 787. Additionally, the technam aircraft used at Maldivian’s aviation academy, Dash-8 and ATR aircraft used to domestic operations are also included.
IASL already provides services to over 30 airlines. While IASL becomes the first airline in the Maldives to obtain the EASA certification, the company believes this is a major step forward for the Maldives’ aviation history as well as the services provided by the company