MACL Launches Aviation Institute to Train Next Generation of Airport Professionals

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has officially launched the Aviation Institute of Maldives (AIM), a dedicated training center designed to cultivate professional expertise within the nation's aviation sector. The institute was inaugurated during a ceremony at the Hulhule’ Island Hotel, led by Maldives National University Chancellor Dr. Mahmood Shougee and MACL Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef. The launch marks a strategic move by MACL to institutionalize workforce development and reduce reliance on external training. Highlighting the institute's immediate impact, the ceremony celebrated its first graduating class. Twenty-nine students successfully completed the Airport Security Management Course, a Level 3 certificate program developed in accordance with the Maldives Qualifications Authority (MQA) and the National Qualifications Framework. The intensive training took place between June 1 and September 9, 2025. CEO Ibrahim Shareef emphasized that the AIM is a cornerstone of MACL’s long-term vision to build a sustainable pipeline of skilled local professionals. He noted that the institute is specifically intended to meet the evolving technical demands of the aviation industry while empowering the local workforce. Dr. Shougee praised the initiative, recognizing MACL’s role in fostering an educated and specialized generation of workers capable of maintaining international standards within the Maldives. The inaugural Security Management Course was specifically tailored for new estate security employees at Velana International Airport. By upgrading the skills of frontline personnel, the program aims to directly enhance passenger safety and tighten security protocols at the country's primary gateway. The event concluded with an awards segment where top-performing students were recognized for their academic excellence, signaling the high standards the institute intends to maintain for future cohorts.