Villa Airport Maamigili Prepares for Commercial Operation

Villa Air Pvt. Ltd, the operator of Villa Airport Maamigili announces today 11th June 2011 that all civil works for the Villa Airport Maamigili project has been completed and is now getting ready to commence commercial service. Villa Airport Maamigili is a landmark project in Aviation undertaken for the first time by a private company in the Maldives.

With the completion of the project Villa Airport Maamigili is today equipped with a full aerodrome comprising of: a) a 1800 meter long runway equipped with industry standard runway lighting system that facilitates landing and take-off of aircraft in the night; b) a taxiway and apron with aircraft parking space; c) a fully automated large hanger equipped with avant-garde facilities; d) an air traffic control tower using the latest and state-of-the-art technology; e) a terminal building with arrival and departure halls and a VIP lounge facility; f) a purpose built complex for Aircraft Fire Fighting and Rescue operations with latest and most advanced fire fighting equipment

Further, electrification and lighting of the Villa Airport Maamigili landside also have been completed and the lights have been turned on across the perimeter of the airport landside as of 9th June 2011. The lighting system used in this project uses energy saving Light Emitting Diode (LED) technology. This is the first time the energy saving LED technology has been used in the Maldives for street lighting.

The Chairman of Villa Air and Villa Group Gasim Ibrahim said: “I am happy to note that Villa Airport Maamigili is the first in Maldives to use energy saving LED lighting technology for street lights. This technology not only saves energy and costs for the airport, but in the long run, it also contributes to a significant reduction of carbon monoxide emission to our fragile environment.” He further added, “This is only a first step. It is our objective to explore and introduce the most efficient sources of renewable energy to cater for the majority of energy needs of the airport. The use of energy saving technology symbolises Villa group’s commitment as a major player in tourism and travel in saving the fragile environment of the Maldives.”

With the completion of this phase of the project Villa Aiport Mamigili is also undergoing the final preparations to fulfill all regulatory requirements for the Aerodrome Operating License.

The managing Director of Villa Air Mr. Riluwan Shareef said: “it has been a mammoth task to have the aerodrome facilities completed to comply with the high standards required by the local and international civil aviation regulations. But the good thing is we have reached the final stage now. We have built the aerodrome facilities and deployed highly sophisticated equipment and systems that will not only allow us to operate the airport, but will also ensure compliance with high-level of safety standards required by local and international aviation regulations. We are also confident that the Aerodrome Operation License will be issued to us soon so that we can begin the much awaited commercial service.

Villa Airport Maamigili is an Airport Developed by Villa Shipping and Trading Company Pvt. Ltd. The airport construction is completed and is in the final preparations to begin commercial service. Villa Air Private Limited, a company affiliated to Villa Group is the operator of Villa Airport Maamigili and Flyme Service.