MACL Marks The 100th International Air Traffic Controllers Day 2022
Saturday 22nd of October 2022
Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) on Thursday celebrated the International Air Traffic Controllers Day 2022. The day is marked on 20th October of every year and this year marked the 100th anniversary of air traffic control in the world. To commemorate the special occasion, MACL hosted an event on Thursday evening with staff and management and retired air traffic controllers joining in. A ceremonial cake was cut during the event.
Speaking on the day, Deputy Managing Director of MACL, Ibrahim Thoha revered the critical role played by air traffic controllers in the past and the present. In this regard, he highlighted the intense training undergone by air traffic controllers to ensure safe and efficient operations of the new Code-F runway with a parallel taxiway at Velana International Airport (VIA). He added that the peak season would bring even more traffic, hence, air traffic controllers and ground operations will have to coherently deliver a more effective and safe travel for all during the time.
Reflecting on the progress of aviation in Maldives, Thoha stated that approximately 1200 landing and takeoffs fill the Maldives airspace daily, out of which VIA accounts for 800. Currently, there are 17 airports across the country with an additional airport set to open before the end of this year. Moreover, Maldives is home to 100 floating platforms for seaplanes. All these data and statistics suggest the need for a safer and more effective air traffic operations throughout the country. MACL is equipped with the latest technology to cater for the growing demand for air traffic services.
General Manager of Air Traffic Services, Ibrahim Hameed commended on MACL’s contribution to the development of air traffic training in Maldives. He emphasized on the fact that MACL funds almost all air traffic controllers serving in the country, a testimony to the crucial role played by the company in training and consolidating the skills and expertise of air traffic controllers.
Addressing the ceremony, Former ATC Chief, Ahmed Nazim reminisced on the history of air traffic control and distinguished the advancement brought to the aviation industry by MACL.
On December 2021, MACL established the first-ever tower stimulator in the Maldives at VIA. The Tower Stimulator will enhance training by stimulating real traffic conditions at Maldives airports. This would also provide a great chance for young people interested in pursuing a career in Air Traffic Control.
