Velana International Airport celebrates 30 years of service by Emirates to Maldives
Velana International Airport (VIA) celebrated Emirates 30 years of service to Maldives. An official water salute welcomed Emirates first flight of the day with an official function held at Maamehi Lounge at Velana International Airport.
The function was joined by the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Ltd (MACL) Mr. Adil Moosa, Representative of Maldives Civil Aviation Ms. Fathimath Raamiza, and Emirates District Manager Mr. Darrell Soertsz along with representatives of airport related institutions, staff of MACL and Emirates.
MACL MD Mr. Adil Moosa and Emirates District Manager Mr. Darrell Soertsz gave speeches at the function and corporate gifts were exchanged between the two companies. Moreover a ceremonial cake was cut and group photos were taken on the occasion. The function was concluded after refreshments.
At the function MD of MACL Mr. Adil Moosa emphasized on Emirates contribution to Maldives Tourism & trade and also congratulated Emirates for their 30 years of operations in the Maldives. Emirates District Manager Mr. Darrell Soertsz stated that Emirates has played an important part in Maldives with their huge number of passenger traffic & air cargo services. He also thanked Universal Enterprise and MACL for their continued support over the years.
Emirates Maldives Milestone
Emirates Airlines commenced its operations on May 1987 with a B727 aircraft. Back then Emirates operated 02 flights a week with a capacity of 189 seats each.
October 1998 Emirates appoints Universal Enterprises as passenger Sales Agent (PSA)
December 2000 Emirates appoints Universal Enterprises as Cargo Sales Agent
March 2004 Emirates adds 5 new services a week to Malé,
January 2005 Emirates opens new office amalgamating Emirates City office & PSA office
April 2005 Emirates SkyCargo launches ADX (Airport-to-Door) and DDX (Doorto-Door in Malé 2006 Emirates becomes first airline to open a cargo operations office at Then Male International Airport present Velana International Airport
August 2010 Emirates launches daily flights from Malé to Colombo
September 2012 Emirates voted Best Airline in the Maldives – Maldives Association of Travel Agents & Tour Operators (MATATO).
December 2014 Emirates adds third daily flight from Malé to Dubai.
Now Emirates operates daily 4 flights (B777 – 300 ER) with a capacity of 360 seats on each flight.(3 flights to Dubai and 1 flight to Colombo).