The 7th edition of the Air Service World Congress, that kicked off on July 09, has concluded successfully on Thursday, July 11.
This year, the ASWC saw attendance of over 150 delegates that represented 27 airlines, 17 airports and other aviation industry stakeholders. The segments of the four-day event were held across three Maldivian tourist properties.
The welcoming ceremony was held at Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, where the Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed had expressed his gratitude to the organizers of the congress, Global Travel Investment (GTI), and said the congress served as a vital platform for airlines, airports, tourism and aviation industry authorities to come together and drive forward the development of global air services.
He also shared MACL’s vision of transforming Velana International Airport (VIA) into a premier hub in the Indian Ocean region, much in line with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s strategic vision of VIA’s expansion as a hub for economic progress.
The networking and special events of the congress were held at SAii Lagoon Maldives by Curio Collection, at CROSSROADS Maldives. The main event – which included panel discussions and closing ceremony – was held at Kurumba Maldives.
Next year’s ASWC is scheduled at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
MACL announces new illuminated water runway
One of the main highlights of this year’s ASWC, is the announcement made by MACL Managing Director during a panel discussion. At the panel discussion, in response to a question from the panel’s moderator, Shareef announced MACL’s ongoing efforts to launch an illuminated water runway.
While highlighting Maldives boasts the largest seaplane fleet and operation in the world, Shareef said that VIA clocks an average of 60 seaplane movements per hour; which sometimes, reach to 70.
Shareef said they are currently working to increase the seaplane frequency up to 84 movements per hour.
He announced that MACL was working with airport lighting manufacturers to assess if the country’s main airport can add an illuminated runway, that would extend the seaplane operational hours which currently ends by 18:00hrs.
The outcome of ASWC
Deputy Managing Director of MACL, Mujthaba Latheef had expressed satisfaction with the positive feedback from the delegates that attended this year’s ASWC.
He highlighted MACL’s commitment to enhancing the tourism sector and developing new routes by working closely with the Ministry of Tourism, Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Corporation (MMPRC), and other industry stakeholders.
Mujthaba further emphasized the significance of the event as a major marketing opportunity, noting that it will promote the Maldives and VIA to a vast audience.
At the closing ceremony, Michael Howarth, the CEO and Chairman of GTI, the event organizer, revealed this year’s congress was a success with the participation of 200 global decision makers.
He commended the exceptional organization of the event, crediting the stunning venue and meticulous attention to detail by the host – MACL. He also emphasized the strategic timing of the event, which has reignited interest in travel and strengthened the Maldives’ reputation as a premier destination.
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