Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said the positive results of the changes introduced by the current administration to the national airline, Maldivian, are becoming increasingly evident.
Minister Ameen made the remarks while speaking at the opening ceremony of the new seaplane terminal of Maldivian.
The new seaplane terminal has been established to a standard recognised within the seaplane industry, the Minister said. He said Maldivian’s experience should be remembered as an example of how a company can progress and benefit the state.
However, the Minister said the company’s condition deteriorated between 2018 and 2023 due to the failure to operate it appropriately, leaving Maldivian heavily indebted.
He said the Government’s aim is to further strengthen the company in the future. Describing Maldivian as a source of pride for the Maldivian people, the Minister said efforts have been under way over the past three years to transform the airline’s services into a new model.
He said the focus is on improving the working environment for employees rather than prioritising the acquisition of infrastructure and capital assets for the company. Providing employees with the basic services they need within the company is also a Government priority, he said.
Minister Ameen also noted that the Government is giving special priority to finding a solution to the housing challenges faced by Maldivian employees. He said two plots of land required for housing have been allocated and that practical work at the site will begin soon.
The Minister also said a building capable of accommodating Island Aviation’s operations is currently under construction.
He added that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s vision is for the Government to fully meet, to the extent of its capacity, the needs of the company and the requirements arising from its operations.