MACL Partakes in the Fifth Meeting of the ICAO Asia/Pacific Aerodrome Assistance Working Group

Saturday 18th of March 2023

The Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) participated in the Fifth Meeting of the Asia/Pacific Aerodrome Assistance Working Group of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). The meeting of the working group was held from March 13th to 16th, 2023 at Kurumba Maldives resort and was hosted by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA).

During the meeting, MACL shared with the group the current developmental trajectory of Velana International Airport (VIA) and the various projects currently ongoing at the site. Moreover, MACL Aerodrome in association with Ground Aids and Airport Emergency Services conducted an exercise on Marine Rescue Operations for the attendees during their airport visit. The exercise was carried out at the water aerodrome, which houses the largest seaplane operations in the world.

The exercise was graced by the presence of the Regional Officer of Aerodrome and Ground Aids (AGA) of ICAO Asia and Pacific Regional Office (APAC), Dr. Punya Raj Shakya as well as delegates from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). State members from Thailand, Malaysia, Philippines and Sri Lanka, airport operators from member states and all airport and seaplane operators in the Maldives also attended the exercise.

The participants also toured the newly opened Noovilu Seaplane Terminal – the largest of the kind in the world. The meeting helped MACL demonstrate its commitment to safety and security in all operations of VIA. Additionally, it allowed the operator to showcase its latest projects and endeavours, further consolidating its positioning and dedication to offering world-class airport services at VIA.