Maldives Promotion House – Villa Group has announced that the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) required to operate Villa Air and Villa Airport Maamigili, has been issued to the company by the Civil Aviation Department of Maldives. According to Villa Air they will commence operations from October 1^st onwards.

As part of its commercial service Villa Air will initially commence service between Ibrahim Nasir International Airport and Villa Airport Maamigili before operating domestic flights to Gan International Airports and Kaadedhoo Airport in November.

“During this period of continuous growth in the Maldives tourism sector we are confident of the positive role Villa Air will play in this respect. A number of tourist resorts in South Ari Atoll will benefit immensely from our day and night operations,” the Managing Director of Villa Air, Rilwan Shareef said. “It will also benefit the general public at large due to the value for money fares, excellent service and availability of additional seats to cater for the growing demand in the domestic travel market.”

Villa Airport Maamigili is equipped with a full aerodrome comprising of a 1,800 meter long runway equipped with industry standard runway lighting system to facilitate landing and take-off in low visibility and at night. Villa has also acquired two aircraft  for domestic flights, from Verona, Italy and can carry 46 passengers. Pilots and civil engineers have also begun working at the airport.

 “The Aerodrome at Villa Airport Maamigili turns the vision of the chairman of Villa Group Gasim Ibrahim into fruition. It is practically Gasim’s hard work determination and perseverance that a project of this magnitude with over US$ 40 million investment has come to a reality,” he further noted. “In this regard we the management of Villa Air, together with the Management of Villa Group of companies that this opportunity to congratulate and thank Gasim for the support, encouragement and personal guidance he had given throughout the project.”

Villa Airport Maamigili is an airport developed by Villa Shipping and Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. Villa Air Private Limited is a company affiliated to Villa Group and is also the operator of Villa Airport Maamigili and Flyme Service.