Global ground handling specialist Universal Aviation has announced expansion into the Maldives through a joint venture with leading local travel agent and tour operator Inner Maldives Holidays.

In a statement, the US-based company said its subsidiary Universal Aviation Maldives would be starting services by early June at the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport. Support services would also be provided at the southern Gan International Airport, as well as offering specially negotiated rates for local hotels and tours, it added.

“We identified the Maldives as a destination that can be high risk and stress for our clients,”Charlie Mularski, Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific at Universal, said.

“In partnering with Inner Maldives, we feel confident that we will be better positioned to enable our clients’ mission success in the country. Our focus on international standards, processes, customer service, ramp safety, and compliance combined with Inner Maldives local talent and expertise will be provide great value to our shared clients.”

Mularski stressed that Universal’s entry into the Maldives would also boost the local economy with new jobs, and improve international standards and recurrent training for business aviation throughout the country.

“We are looking forward to working closely with the Maldives government to continue to identify ways in which it can further improve the country’s aviation infrastructure, leading to further growth and development,” he said.

Managing Director of Inner Maldives Holidays Mohamed Firaq also echoed the sentiments.

“I am delighted about this development. This is another first for Maldives and Inner Maldives,” he said.

“We are proud to partner with a global leader such as Universal and certain that this will add to the confidence and offer world-class service for commercial jets arriving into Maldives.”

Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has more than 40 locations in 20 countries, including 19 in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of Universal Aviation Maldives. The Texas-headquartered company offers products and services including international flight planning and scheduling, weather briefings, fuelling programmes, aircraft ground handling and aviation security.

Inner Maldives Holidays is one of the pioneers in launching outbound packages and holidays in the Maldives offering exciting and discounted holidays to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Bali, Krabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seychelles and many more.