Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has conducted test flights of the aircraft brought in to start the practical classes at the Maldivian Aviation Academy (MAA).
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Managing Director of IASL Aishath Jennifer revealed all aircraft were assembled on May 21 to conduct test flights. The academy has acquired six aircraft in preparation for the start of classes at the MAA.
Earlier, the practical classes were scheduled to start on April 28 but the start date was postponed due to logistical issues. As for the start date of classes, Jennifer said they are working with the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) to conduct an audit of the MAA as the classes can be commenced after a thorough audit.
MAA was inaugurated on December 28, 2021, which is a collaboration between IASL, Maldives National University (MNU), and the Czech Republic-based Flying Academy. The MAA is operated under a joint venture between IASL and MNU and is based at Gan International Airport (GIA) in Addu City.
MAA began classes with 35 students in its first batch in January this year. The first batch includes student pilots of the Asian Academy of Aeronautics (AAA), which was previously operated in GIA, who have had to discontinue their training for a variety of reasons.