MALÉ, Maldives—In a landmark achievement for the nation’s aviation industry, Island Aviation, the operator of the national carrier Maldivian, has become the first company in the Maldives to receive the coveted European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) Part-145 certification.
The certification, which grants approval for the maintenance and repair of aircraft registered in Europe, is a significant step forward for the country’s aviation sector.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen hailed the achievement as a “historic milestone” and credited President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s reform and modernization agenda for expediting the process. “This strengthens our aviation sector and demonstrates our commitment to global standards,” Ameen said on social media.
Island Aviation, which currently services more than 30 airlines, announced the news with enthusiasm. “Thrilled to announce that IASL has successfully obtained the EASA Part 145 approval certificate, marking a major milestone in our maintenance capabilities and making us the first EASA Part 145 holder in the Maldives!” the company said in a statement.
The EASA Part-145 certification is recognized worldwide as a gold standard in aircraft maintenance, alongside the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification in the United States. Island Aviation’s engineers now hold repair certifications from 12 international aviation authorities, further solidifying the company’s reputation as a trusted service provider in the region.
It positions Island Aviation among an elite group of service providers capable of maintaining a diverse range of aircraft, including Airbus’ larger models, Boeing 777s, and the domestic fleet of Dash and ATR aircraft.
With this milestone, the Maldives has taken a decisive step towards expanding its aviation maintenance capabilities, enhancing operational efficiency, and reinforcing its position as a rising hub in the global aviation industry.