The World Congress of Aviation Services 2024 has officially kicked off, bringing together a host of international dignitaries from the aviation industry. The annual forum, which will be held in Kurumba Maldives from July 9 to July 11, is expected to be a landmark event for the global aviation industry.
Three resorts have been earmarked to host the conference’s various events. The opening event took place on 9 July at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, bringing together 150 delegates from 27 airlines, including local airlines, and 17 airports.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed, stressed the importance of hosting global meetings and conferences. He noted that such events not only strengthen relations between international delegates but also provide a great opportunity to strengthen the aviation industry at an international level. Shareef also shared his views on the ongoing development projects at Velana International Airport (VIA), highlighting the airport’s future impact on the aviation industry.
Speaking at the event, Mike Howarth, Chairman of Global Travel Investments, hailed the Maldives as a beautiful travel destination and expressed confidence in the potential for the development of the country’s tourism sector.
A special networking event is planned at SAii Lagoon Maldives at CROSSROADS, while the opening and closing ceremonies will be held at Kurumba Maldives. The conference will share valuable information about the growing aviation industry in the Maldives, creating opportunities for both government and private players to develop the sector.
Air Service World Congress 2024, hosted by VIA, follows the successful 2023 conference held in Oakland in the San Francisco Bay Area. Since its inception in 2010, the conference has been held in several countries, including the US, UK and Dubai.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony at the Sheraton Maldives, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen highlighted the growth of the inter-linkage between tourism and aviation. He said that for the Maldives’ tourism sector to benefit to the fullest extent, it needs a strong, world-class air transport industry. Ameen highlighted the potential of the Air Services World Congress to increase the number of flights to and from the Maldives.
“We should strive to not only maintain the Maldives as a top-class tourist destination but also provide unforgettable and enjoyable air travel facilities for tourists,” Amin said, expressing optimism that the conference would open new doors for the expansion of air transport in the Maldives.
Ibrahim Shareef further highlighted VIA’s vital role in the Maldives’ aviation sector, stating that the airport is the main gateway to the country and a showcase for the country’s progress in development, tourism and transport. He noted ongoing projects to develop the airport and stressed the importance of expanding services to cater to the growing number of tourists visiting the Maldives each year.
“Our aim is to make VIA the airport of choice in the Indian Ocean region,” Sharif said.
The Air Services World Congress 2024, which runs until 11 July, will bring together more than 150 delegates from 27 airlines and 17 airports to foster collaboration and innovation in the aviation industry.
