VIA Gets a Modern Upgrade as MACL Deploys Towbar less Tug

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is bringing a state‑of‑the‑art tow barless aircraft truck—model TPX‑200MTX—to Velana International Airport (VIA) as part of its drive to improve the speed an...

Mohamed Hilmy

17 June 2025, 00:00

Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) is bringing a state‑of‑the‑art tow barless aircraft truck—model TPX‑200MTX—to Velana International Airport (VIA) as part of its drive to improve the speed and safety of ground operations.

Already in service at leading hubs such as Heathrow, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Singapore, the TPX‑200MTX offers operators a clear field of vision and is compatible with aircraft ranging from code C to code E. MACL projects that the new tug will lift overall airside efficiency by up to 60 percent, accelerating both refueling and repositioning tasks while keeping operating costs and maintenance needs low.

Ali Shareef, Head of Ramp Services at MACL, said the addition will enhance safety standards and sharply reduce aircraft turnaround times, supporting the company’s goal of delivering seamless, modern aviation services.

Eight specialist operators have already been trained on the equipment, and MACL is conducting a full risk assessment before the truck enters service. The upgrade comes as construction of VIA’s new terminal moves ahead, with the facility slated to open on 26 July this year.

MACL, which manages Velana International Airport, continues to expand its infrastructure and service offerings to meet growing passenger and airline demand.

VIA Gets a Modern Upgrade as MACL Deploys Towbar less Tug

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