Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has inaugurated its first dedicated engineering service building, marking a major milestone in the company’s development. The facility, named the “Ali Firaq Engineering Service Building,” honours the late Ali Firaq, a long-serving and respected member of IASL’s engineering department, who first proposed the idea for the building in 2015.
The new building was officially opened on Sunday at Velana International Airport (VIA) by the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, Mohamed Ameen, and IASL Managing Director, Ibrahim Iyas, during a special ceremony attended by company officials and staff.
Speaking at the event, IASL Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas described the opening as a “historic milestone” and a long-awaited dream fulfilled through dedication and teamwork. He highlighted the building’s importance, saying it would significantly improve the working environment for employees and enhance the quality and efficiency of engineering operations.
“This is the first facility we have built to manage our aircraft spare parts. It’s a key investment for the future of the company and will greatly improve our operational capacity,” Iyas said. He added that the project was first proposed by Ali Firaq in 2015, with the proposal prepared in 2016. The budget was approved in 2021, and construction began in 2022.
Engineering staff from Maldivian, the national airline operated by IASL, said the new facility would increase their efficiency and make daily operations more convenient.
IASL stated that the company is also focused on improving its financial sustainability by managing its revenue more efficiently.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen, speaking at the ceremony, said the opening of the facility represents an important step in the government’s efforts to transform IASL into a profitable, self-sufficient company within the next one to two years. He described the building as a much-needed addition that will streamline maintenance work and reduce operating costs for the airline, while also enhancing safety and security.
The Minister further noted that Maldivian already provides maintenance services to several international airlines operating in the Maldives. The new facility will expand this capacity and offer further economic benefits. He highlighted the decade-long journey from the project’s conception to its completion, reflecting the government’s focus on strengthening the aviation sector under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu.
“Our hope is to see Island Aviation become financially independent and achieve rapid growth in the near future, bringing benefits not only to the company but also to its employees,” Minister Ameen said.
He also emphasised the government’s plans to elevate Maldivian from a national carrier to a true national airline, enhancing its operational capabilities and overall status within the region.