The Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed has said the Air Service World Congress (ASWC) 2024 will provide fresh and new avenues of growth for the Maldivian aviation industry.
He made the remarks at the welcoming ceremony of the ASWC held at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa on Tuesday, July 09, 2024.
Shareef went on to highlight the ASWC’s role as a vital platform for airlines, airports and tourist authorities to come together and drive forward the development of the global air services.
In this regard, the MACL MD noted that the country’s premier aviation venue, Velana International Airport (VIA) is not just a gateway to the Maldives but a symbol of progress and testament to the airport operator’s commitment to excellence in aviation and hospitality.
“Over the past few years, we have undertaken extensive modernization and expansion projects to enhance our infrastructure and capacity,” Shareef said and added that “these developments are crucial as they enable us to welcome a growing number of visitors from around the globe.”
He also noted that MACL’s efforts have been driven by a “clear vision to position VIA” as a premier hub in the Indian Ocean region.
He emphasized the role of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and his government in strategically approaching the expansion of the airport as a hub for economic development.
Shareef also highlighted the importance of VIA in boosting and supporting the Maldives tourism industry, which contributes over 28% of the national GDP. He noted MACL’s vision to develop VIA with a plethora of facilities that will create opportunities and experiences that are “at par with the country’s luxurious hospitality industry”.
“From the construction of new terminals to incorporating new technologies, every step has been meticulously crafted to cater the evolving needs of our passengers and airlines.”
He also said that MACL’s hopes to increase the capacity and connectivity of the domestic airports, to attract more tourists, foster economic growth and create sustainable development for the local communities.
The Air Service World Congress 2024 is the first-ever route development congress to be held in the Maldives. This year marks the seventh edition of the congress and attracted over 150 delegates from 27 airlines, 17 airports and other aviation industry stakeholders.
The event will proceed across three luxurious properties;
- Welcoming Ceremony – Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
- Networking and Special Events – SAii Lagoon Maldives by Curio Collection, CROSSROADS Maldives
- Main Event – Kurumba Maldives