President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to take action against the flying school in Addu, Asian Academy of Aeronautics (AAA), over the multiple issues raised against the school by its students and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Spokesperson at the President’s Office Mohamed Mabrook Azeez revealed on May 11 that President Solih has made some important decisions regarding issues related to the operations of AAA. As such, the spokesperson revealed the president has ordered further investigation and the necessary action against the Accountable Manager of AAA Ali Akbar Jeevanjee and Head of Pilot Training Captain Suranjan De Silva over the issues highlighted in the audit report of the Civil Aviation Authority. The president has also ordered an independent audit of the Civil Aviation Authority to identify any negligence by the authority which led to the students of AAA facing an uncertain situation with regards to their programme.
Furthermore, the spokesperson revealed the president has decided to transfer the student loans taken by AAA students under Bank of Maldives (BML) to the Ministry of Higher Education to prevent interest from being charged on the loans. The government has also extended the repayment period of the loans taken by students of the flying school.
The flying school has come under scrutiny for its failure to complete its programmes for students as scheduled and overcharging its fees. Several students of the flying school have raised concerns over the issues, leading to a parliament inquiry into the matter. Upon the inquiry, it was found that AAA does not have sufficient resources and facilities to conduct its programmes.
Meanwhile, a maintenance audit conducted in November led to the grounding of some of AAA’s flights due to level 1 maintenance issues. AAA was instructed to bring the flights to operational condition in order to allow students to complete their flying hours.
Addu International Airport Company Limited (AIA), which operates Gan International Airport, had recently revealed the agreement signed with AAA to operate the flying school in the airport will expire in July this year. AIA said it has decided not to renew the agreement with AAA, and to seek a new operator for the flying school.