Two local aviation companies have commenced work on establishing flying schools in the Maldives.
Interest in establishing flying schools in the Maldives was expressed by local aviation companies Villa Air and Manta Air. Speaking to PSM News, Villa Air’s Managing Director Abdulla Nashid said efforts are underway in association with Villa College to establish a flying school in Maamigili, Alifu Dhaalu Atoll. Nashid said the target is open the flying school in May, after acquiring the necessary permits from Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). He assured that the students of the flying school in Addu City, who have been unable to complete their course due to the lack of resources in the school, will be provided the opportunity to complete their studies in the new school.
Meanwhile, Manta Air has confirmed that preparations are underway to establish a flying school in Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll. Manta Aviation Academy’s Director Ismail Rasheed said the company hopes to open the flying school by end of this year. He said the company targets to establish a high-quality aviation institute in the Maldives.
Local companies began efforts to establish new flying schools, following the problems faced by students of Asian Academy of Aeronautics (AAA), operated in Gan International Airport in Addu City. The Parliamentary Committee on National Development and Heritage conducted an inquiry into AAA after several student pilots of the academy raised concerns over the lengthy delays in completing the programmes conducted by the academy.
Following the inquiry, the committee said AAA has not established the resources and facilities required to complete its programmes. The committee said the inquiry also revealed AAA has overcharged its students, despite its inability to complete the programmes for students.