Maldivian pilots operate international airline flight to Maldives

Thursday marked a historical moment for Maldivian aviation with two Maldivian pilots operating a scheduled flight of an international airline to the Maldives.

The FlyDubai flight FZ1569 from Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) which touched down in Velana International Airport (VIA) on Thursday was operated by Maldivian pilots – Captain Jinaan Shareef and First Officer Mohammed Shinaz.

The pilots received a warm welcome upon touchdown in VIA.

Maldivian pilots and cabin crew have long been employed by international airlines, but Thursday’s flight was a milestone: for the first time, a regular commercial flight operated by two Maldivian pilots touched down in the Maldives.

Aviation industry stakeholders have applauded the feat as a huge success.

In this regard, Inner Maldives owner Mohamed Firaq, said he was extremely proud as a Maldivian after witnessing successes achieved by Maldivian pilots in the international aviation industry. He added that the touchdown of the international flight operated by Maldivian pilots also marked a step forward for the Maldivian industry.

A previous milestone in Maldivian aviation took place under former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayyoom, when the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the Airbus A380, made its landing on the new runway at VIA, as the inaugural flight. The flight was led by a British captain, with Maldivian first officer Ali Ahusan, then aged 35. When the flight neared the new runway, the Brit captain delegated the landing procedure to Ahusan.