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Villa Air Flyme goes intl with Sri Lanka service, to launch India flights ‘soon’

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Villa Air Flyme on Friday launched international flight services, operating its first commercial international flight between the Maldives and neighbouring Sri Lanka.

Flyme flight VP8910, which took off from Velana International Airport at 1.17pm Friday, marked the important milestone of launching the airline into the international aviation platform.

Friday’s flight was a charter, consisting of a 100 per cent Maldivian crew and operated using the company’s brand new 72-seater ATR 72-600 aircraft.

Ahead the flight, on Thursday, Villa Air had successfully completed the rigorous certification requirements by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority to obtain a variation allowing Flyme to operate international flights using its Maldivian Air Operator Certificate.

Plans to take Flyme to international skies has been in the works since early 2019.

Flyme will begin scheduled flights between Velana International Airport and Ratmalana Airport in Sri Lankan capital Colombo as soon as Sri Lankan boarders reopen, giving hundreds of Maldivian and Sri Lankans easy access between the two countries.

Flyme says it is also working on starting scheduled services to neighbouring India soon.

“The company would like to note the efforts and thank the entire Villa Air team who, over the years contributed to this project to bring it to a success. The entire Villa Air team would also like to thank the various institutes of the government of Maldives, especially the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority who had worked through some challenging conditions to complete the certification process,” a statement read.

“Furthermore, a very warm thank you to the Sri Lankan Government Authorities and Sri Lankan partner Lanka Sportraizen for coordinating the efforts in Sri Lanka for the charter flight.”

Flyme, part of the Villa Group of Companies owned by local business tycoon Gasim Ibrahim, had its maiden flight on October 1, 2011 between Velana International Airport and Villa Air’s own domestic airport on the island of Maamigili in Alif Dhaal atoll.

Before the global coronavirus pandemic hammered air travel across the world, Flyme operated daily flights between Male and Maamigili, and served another nine domestic airports across the archipelago with weekly services.

In addition to catering to locals, Flyme carried tourists to the resorts in Alif Dhaal atoll, including Villa’s own Holiday Island Resort and Sun Island Resort.

The airline had in November welcomed a brand new 72-seat ATR 72-600 aircraft, expanding its fleet to three.

Drink

Sirru Fen Fushi hosts Flor de Caña mixology event with Dinesh Mondkar

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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.

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Angsana Velavaru marks reopening of upgraded futsal ground

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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.

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World Art Day inspires new Graffiti Club at InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort

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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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