US-based Universal Aviation and Inner Maldives Holidays has celebrated the official grand opening of their joint venture business aviation ground support location, Universal Aviation Maldives.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the Maagiri Hotel in Maldives capital Male Thursday afternoon. It was attended by clients, partners and local officials.
“The Maldives area popular but potentially challenging destination for our clients, so it was important for us to identify a partner in Inner Maldives that will not only reduce our customers’ risk and stress on the ground but provide them with an unforgettable experience through pro-active trip management, versus relying solely on third-parties,” Greg Evans, Chairman of Universal, said.
“Universal aviation Maldives will raise the bar for the private jet departure and landing experience so that it matches the luxury experience at local resorts.”
Universal Aviation Maldives is headquartered at the Maldives main Velana International Airport. The location’s main operation is located at the island of Male, but it also provides supervisory services at all airports throughout the Maldives, including Gan International Airport in the southernmost atoll of Addu, Maamigili Airport in central Alif Dhaal atoll, and Hanimaadhoo International Airport in the northern Haa Dhaal atoll.
“Tourism is a major reason for much of the corporate jet aviation traffic to the Maldives,” Abdulla Ghiyas, Managing Director at Universal Aviation Maldives, said.
“Our team members are trained to Universal Aviation’s ground support standards, but are also experts in local tourism and can help arrange discounts for crews on local hotels, air transport, and tours.”
Universal Aviation Maldives is Universal Aviation’s eighth location in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Universal Aviation Maldives will support local business aviation traffic but just as importantly will be a local advocate for the industry in the Maldives,” Charlie Mularski, Senior Vice President for International Operations at Universal said.
“Our team will work closely with the Maldives government to identify opportunities to drive traffic, and improve infrastructure and access while also benefiting the local economy.”
Universal Aviation, the ground support division of Universal Weather and Aviation, Inc., has more than 40 locations in 20 countries, including 19 in the Asia-Pacific region with the addition of Universal Aviation Maldives. The Texas-headquartered company offers products and services including international flight planning and scheduling, weather briefings, fuelling programmes, aircraft ground handling and aviation security.
Inner Maldives Holidays is one of the pioneers in launching outbound packages and holidays in the Maldives offering exciting and discounted holidays to Sri Lanka, Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, India, Indonesia, Bali, Krabi, Singapore, Hong Kong, Seychelles and many more.
The company, which currently has business operations in Dubai, Seychelles, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, has also won multiple international awards, and has been recognised as a leading wholesaler for inbound tourists into Maldives and leading FBO at the airport for private jets. It is also affiliated to its sister companies, including Ace Aviation Services Maldives, Ace Travels Maldives and Aitken Spence Maldives, representing major airlines and brands in the Maldives.
Velana International Airport serves as the main gateway to the Maldives, renowned world over for its unique natural beauty and luxury tourist resorts. More than 30 international airlines, including major players such as British Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Emirates and Etihad Airways, operate scheduled flights to the airport, carrying over a million tourists per annum from across the world to the island paradise.
During the festive season, the Maldives main airport welcomed 83 private jets over a five-day period, setting a new record.