President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has decided to introduce safe helicopter flight services in the Maldives. The President made this decision following the Cabinet's deliberations on a paper submitted by the Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation.
The President has decided to mandate 'Medivac' and 'Search and Rescue' services, utilizing twin-engine helicopters to initiate helicopter operations. Per this decision, public transportation via heliport, excluding these services, would require a permit.
President Dr Muizzu also initiated measures to accommodate a heliport at the Velana International Airport and measures to establish a heliport in another location if required. He also resolved to revamp the structural framework of the Civil Aviation Authority, incorporating provisions and compensation to incentivize technically qualified individuals from the industry and ensure their sustainability in the sector.
Helicopter services are provided, currently by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) - however, it is non-commercial.
Back in the early 90s, Hummingbird helicopters had a monopolized service in the Maldives. Hummingbird Island Airways last operated helicopters in the Maldives, launched in 1989 by pilot Kit Chambers, operating with a fleet of only helicopters. Hummingbird operated helicopters until 1999 before switching entirely to seaplanes and rebranding as Trans Maldivian Airways.
The President has decided to mandate 'Medivac' and 'Search and Rescue' services, utilizing twin-engine helicopters to initiate helicopter operations. Per this decision, public transportation via heliport, excluding these services, would require a permit.
President Dr Muizzu also initiated measures to accommodate a heliport at the Velana International Airport and measures to establish a heliport in another location if required. He also resolved to revamp the structural framework of the Civil Aviation Authority, incorporating provisions and compensation to incentivize technically qualified individuals from the industry and ensure their sustainability in the sector.
Helicopter services are provided, currently by the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) - however, it is non-commercial.
Back in the early 90s, Hummingbird helicopters had a monopolized service in the Maldives. Hummingbird Island Airways last operated helicopters in the Maldives, launched in 1989 by pilot Kit Chambers, operating with a fleet of only helicopters. Hummingbird operated helicopters until 1999 before switching entirely to seaplanes and rebranding as Trans Maldivian Airways.
