Featured
Manta Air, UNICEF join forces to support skills development for Maldivian youth
Manta Air and UNICEF on Saturday teamed up to provide early exposure for young Maldivians interested in working in the aviation industry.
Under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Manta Air and UNICEF, Manta Air will provided the opportunity for young people interested in working in the aviation industry to acquire basic knowledge and skills. This will be facilitated through a company wide-internship programme for young Maldivian women and men, with 12 interns set to be enrolled during the first year of the programme.
“This is another milestone for Manta Air, to embark on this mission with UNICEF to develop young people where we take pride in contributing to the local community. Our commitment from the beginning has always been to keep building the capacities needed to further develop and contribute to ensure the future growth of the industry. We believe that this initiative with UNICEF will be a key component in achieving our commitment. We are privileged to work with UNICEF and we hope that this is the start of an amazing journey,” Manta Air CEO Mohamed Khaleel said, after signing the agreement.
The UNICEF-Manta Air internship programme is a unique opportunity for young people who have a passion for the airline industry to gain first-hand experience and exposure to key areas such as flight and ground operations, aircraft engineering, safety/compliance, commercial and marketing. The individuals will get the opportunity to work in all the above disciplines and be closely supervised by experts from Manta Air.
The programme is designed with close monitoring and mentoring support from both Manta Air and UNICEF. It is structured to develop and inspire young people to pursue a career in the aviation sector, through a unique and creative learning experience.
“Globally, the annual growth in the number of young people entering the labour market exceeds the rate of growth in the number of new jobs created by the labour market. In the Maldives, a large number of young people are unemployed. We need to be creative in opening new job horizons for them,” Dr Munir Safieldin, UNICEF Representative to the Maldives, was quoted in a statement, as saying.
“The partnership between UNICEF and Manta Air opens a new horizon of skills development for potential future employment in civil aviation. Manta Air will provide groups of young women and men with a structured and guided exposure to the civil aviation industry.”
The MoU between Manta Air and UNICEF also covers additional areas such as support for advocacy on children and young people’s rights and issues via Manta Air’s in-flight magazine, RAYS. Both organisations will also join hands in celebrating key events for children and youth, including the World Children’s Day and World Youth Day, to create awareness and engage the public on children’s rights and issues related to the wellbeing of children and young people.
Manta Air, the new experience in the skies of Maldives, began its operations in February.
The first two ATR 72-600s of Manta Air, secured through Nordic Aviation Capital, were delivered in late 2018, and a third aircraft was delivered in March 2019. With their dual-class configuration of 64 seats, Manta Air’s brand new ATR 72-600s have helped boost connectivity for the hospitality industry in the beautiful Maldivian atolls.
Manta Air currently operates scheduled daily service from the main Velana International Airport in Male to Dhaalu Airport, the airline’s main hub located on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, and Dharavandhoo Airport in Baa atoll.
The airline is also in the process of acquiring Twin Otter seaplanes in order to launch its seaplane service in the second quarter of 2019.
Drink
Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar
The Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series recently hosted a mixology event at Sirru Fen Fushi Private Lagoon Resort, featuring Dinesh Mondkar, Flor de Caña’s brand ambassador for India.
The event gave guests an opportunity to explore a selection of rum cocktails while learning more about the craftsmanship and heritage behind the Flor de Caña brand. Set against a sunset backdrop over the ocean, the session combined cocktail-making techniques, brand storytelling and a relaxed island setting.
Guests were introduced to a range of cocktails that highlighted bold flavours and the versatility of rum in contemporary mixology. The evening also offered insight into the methods and presentation behind premium cocktail service, adding an interactive element to the experience.
The event formed part of the resort’s ongoing Behind The Bar Sirru Icon series, which continues to bring recognised figures from the international spirits industry to the Maldives. Through the series, the resort aims to expand its food and beverage offering with curated events that connect guests with global brands and industry expertise.
Such experiences are designed to complement the wider guest programme by combining destination dining and beverage concepts with the setting of the Maldives, while offering visitors a more immersive way to engage with the resort’s hospitality offerings.
Featured
Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground
Angsana Velavaru has reopened its futsal facility as part of efforts to enhance guest experiences and staff engagement through sport and community activities.
The reopening ceremony was officiated by Dhaalu Atoll Council president Ahmed Shafiu and the resort’s general manager, Ahmed Zahir, who jointly cut the ribbon to mark the occasion.
Located within the island grounds, the futsal court measures 57 metres by 38 metres and is intended to serve as a space for both recreational use and organised activities for guests and resort associates.
The resort said the facility would form part of its wider recreational offering and would host workshops and expert-led collaborations aimed at providing guests with sports-based experiences while also supporting skill development and interaction. It added that the initiative also reflects its focus on staff wellbeing, teamwork and active living.
The opening event included friendly matches between the Angsana Velavaru men’s and women’s teams, as well as an inter-resort match between the Angsana Velavaru Orange Army and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.
Adjacent to the futsal court is the resort’s upgraded watersports centre, which now includes updated guest facilities such as shower and changing areas.
Ahmed Zahir said the reopening of the futsal ground represented more than a recreational upgrade and reflected the resort’s commitment to creating meaningful experiences for both guests and associates. He said the facility would support active living, connection and wellbeing, while also serving as a space for learning and collaboration.
Angsana Velavaru, located in South Nilandhe Atoll, said the reopening of the futsal facility forms part of its wider efforts to expand its lifestyle and community-focused offerings.
Featured
World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has launched the Graffiti Club to mark World Art Day, introducing a team-led initiative focused on artistic expression, collaboration and storytelling through art.
The resort said the initiative brings together more than 18 team members from across different departments, reflecting a shared interest in creativity. As part of the project, selected back-of-house spaces have been turned into canvases, transforming staff areas into spaces for artistic work.
Inspired by the natural environment of the Maldives and the Maamunagau lagoon, the first set of artworks features marine life such as manta rays, whale sharks and sea turtles. The resort said the designs reflect the biodiversity of the destination and its connection to the surrounding ocean. Additional artwork is also being developed as the project continues.
InterContinental Maldives said the initiative is rooted in its brand culture and service philosophy, Inspire Incredible, and is intended to support creativity, collaboration and self-expression among team members.
Renuka Gupta, cluster director of learning and development, said creativity exists in every individual, regardless of role or background. She said the initiative was created to provide team members with a space to express themselves, connect with colleagues and contribute to the environment in which they work each day.
The resort said the Graffiti Club forms part of its wider approach to workplace culture, with a focus on creativity, wellbeing and personal expression alongside the guest experience.
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