Parliamentary Committee on National Development and Heritage has stated its inquiry into the Asian Academy of Aeuronautics (AAA) operated in Addu City has revealed the academy lacks the resources required to conduct its programmes.
The parliament committee conducted an inquiry into AAA after several student pilots of the academy raised concerns over the lengthy delays in completing the programmes conducted by the academy. They have also raised concerns regarding AAA charging fees in US Dollars rather than Maldivian Rufiyaa, as well as several other practices of the academy.
Following the inquiry, Chair of the National Development and Heritage Committee Ahmed Abdulla said AAA has not established the resources and facilities required to complete its programmes. He added the inquiry also revealed AAA has overcharged its students, despite its inability to complete the programmes for students. He said all the main issues and concerns regarding the operations of the academy have been identified, adding the committee will meet with the Civil Aviation Authority and Ministry of Higher Education to find a solution to the matter.
During the inquiry, the committee also met with Addu International Airport Company Limited (AIA), which operates Gan International Airport. During the meeting, AIA said the agreement signed with the AAA to operate the flying school in Gan International Airport will expire in July 2021. AIA said it has decided not to renew the agreement with AAA, and to seek a new operator for the flying school.