Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially launched the Aviation Institute of Maldives (AIM), establishing a dedicated training institution to develop skilled professionals for the country’s growing aviation sector.
The institute was formally inaugurated on Wednesday during a ceremony at Hulhule Island Hotel, where certificates were also presented to AIM’s first graduating batch of 29 students.
Maldives National University (MNU) Chancellor Dr. Mahamood Shougee attended the ceremony as chief guest and officially inaugurated the institute. MACL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed and members of the company’s senior management were also in attendance.
The event opened with a performance by MACL’s Estate Security Services team.
Speaking at the ceremony, Shareef said AIM was established as part of MACL’s long-term efforts to develop the technical workforce required by the aviation industry.
“AIM exists to build the technical workforce our aviation sector needs,” Shareef said.
He said the establishment of the institute reflects MACL’s commitment to developing skilled personnel who can support airport operations and the continued growth of the country’s aviation sector.
The first batch graduating from AIM comprised 29 students who successfully completed the Airport Security Management programme.
Shareef presented certificates to the graduates, while Dr. Shougee presented special awards to students who achieved the strongest performances during the programme.
The Airport Security Management course is a Certificate Level 3 programme developed in accordance with Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) standards and aligned with the Maldives National Qualifications Framework.
The programme was conducted between June 1 and September 9, 2025.
It was specifically designed to prepare new recruits joining MACL’s Estate Security Service, equipping them with the knowledge and technical skills required to carry out security responsibilities within an airport environment.
Airport security is a critical component of operations at Velana International Airport, where security personnel are responsible for supporting the safety of passengers, employees, airport facilities and the wider aviation operation.
MACL said the programme forms part of its broader efforts to strengthen safety and security standards for passengers travelling through VIA.
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Shougee commended MACL for investing in the development of an educated and technically skilled Maldivian workforce.
He described the establishment of AIM as a meaningful step forward for technical and vocational training in the country.
The launch comes at a time of major expansion in the Maldives’ aviation sector, particularly at Velana International Airport.
VIA has undergone significant infrastructure development in recent years, including the opening of its new international passenger terminal and expansion of supporting airport facilities. The growth of the country’s primary international gateway has also increased demand for specialised personnel across security, operations, engineering and other technical areas.
As the operator of Velana International Airport, MACL employs personnel across a wide range of specialised airport functions and has increasingly placed emphasis on developing technical expertise within its workforce.
The establishment of AIM provides the company with a dedicated institution through which structured aviation-related training and qualifications can be delivered locally.
With its first 29 graduates now certified, MACL said the institute will support the development of the skilled workforce required to meet the evolving needs of the country’s airport and aviation industry.
