1.  You have been with the company and the industry for quite a long time. Tell us a little about the journey that has led up to your role as Managing Director?

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My journey in aviation began nearly two decades ago, shaped by continuous learning, a deep respect for the industry, and a genuine passion for the work. After completing my Master of Engineering in Aeronautical Engineering at Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (University of London), I returned home and began my career as an Airworthiness Engineer at the Civil Aviation Department, then under the Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation. This role provided a solid foundation in regulatory and Safety Management Systems - principles that have remained central throughout my career.

Joining Island Aviation Services marked a defining chapter. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working across various facets of the business, including safety and quality management, engineering, and operations. Each role brought its own challenges and opportunities for growth. I particularly valued my time as Head of Engineering and later as Director of Quality, where I focused on developing systems that not only met regulatory standards but also supported long-term operational excellence.

A pivotal moment came with my appointment as Chief Operations Officer and Accountable Manager of the Airline & Airports. This role encompassed oversight of all operational areas, offering a holistic view of the airline and underscoring the importance of leading in a complex, high-impact environment. I also had the opportunity to lead major initiatives, from aircraft induction and launching new routes to establishing new business lines which enriched my understanding of the industry from both technical and strategic perspectives.

The last few years have brought significant financial challenges. The company recorded substantial losses for four consecutive years. Through a collective effort across all departments, we have been able to turn that trajectory around, implementing efficiency measures, optimising our network, and strengthening revenue streams. Today, we are on the verge of breakeven — a result of disciplined decision-making and the dedication of our people.

Being appointed Managing Director is both an honour and a responsibility I carry with great pride. I believe in cultivating a culture where people are empowered to do their best work, where safety and service quality go hand in hand, and where continuous improvement is a shared goal. I am proud of the 25-year legacy the company has built and excited about the future we are shaping by strengthening connectivity across the Maldives and contributing meaningfully to national development.

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2. The launch of direct flights to major Chinese cities in January 2025 has been a defining step in Maldivian’s international expansion. What are some early insights or unexpected outcomes you have seen from this?

The launch of direct services to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Shenzhen in January 2025 has been more than a network expansion. It is a clear demonstration of the national carrier’s commitment to operate with greater reach, higher standards and a stronger service proposition. This milestone builds on the induction of our first A330-200 in January 2025, which gave us the range, capacity and comfort to confidently connect the Maldives and China with direct flights.

The early results have been very encouraging. Since the launch, we have operated weekly flights to these cities, carrying more than 15,000 passengers and transporting over 800 tonnes of cargo. Demand from China remains strong, particularly from travellers seeking a premium nonstop experience. Our presence at major travel fairs, close collaboration with partners in the Chinese market and tailored marketing campaigns have helped us stand out in a competitive space. Load factors are tracking in line with, and in some cases exceeding, our performance targets.

The benefits at home have been immediate and wide-reaching. Resorts, guesthouses and across the islands are reporting increased bookings linked to these routes. Within the airline, the expansion has created new opportunities for Maldivians ranging from pilots, engineers, cabin crews, operations staff and other roles needed to support the increased schedule. The growth in cargo uplift has also opened opportunities for local importers and exporters to reach new markets in China.

We are using this momentum to deepen engagement with Chinese carriers and stakeholders, aiming to evolve from point-to-point services into more integrated network partnerships. This will not only strengthen inbound tourism but also open up opportunities for Maldivians to visit China as a destination for tourism, education and business.

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Our long-term focus is to grow these routes in a way that continues to boost local guesthouses and smaller tourism operators, giving them a more prominent place in the Chinese market. The direct connections we have established are just the beginning. As we build on this foundation, our aim is to create two-way opportunities — welcoming more visitors to our islands while enabling more Maldivians to explore, learn and trade beyond our shores.

3.  Maldivian is often the first and last touchpoint for tourists visiting the Maldives. How does the company approach this responsibility of shaping that sense of welcome and farewell?

It is a responsibility we take seriously, and it lies at the heart of our identity as the national airline. Maldivian hospitality begins the moment a guest starts their journey with us, and we aim to make that experience warm, and memorable, carrying it through to the final farewell.

We embed this ethos across every touchpoint. Cabin crew are trained not only in service and safety, but also in cultural awareness and basic language skills, enabling them to greet guests in a way that feels both familiar and respectful. Our onboard service, announcements and visual identity reflect the character of the islands, while menus, music and content are thoughtfully curated to introduce the Maldives authentically. On the ground, our dedicated Transfer Team plays a key role in ensuring smooth onward travel to resorts and islands, managing coordinated schedules, providing clear wayfinding and offering proactive assistance. For those connecting through Malé, our lounges provide a comfortable space to relax, refresh and enjoy Maldivian hospitality before the next leg of their journey.

We also ensure that no passenger is left stranded. Even if an international flight arrives late, we work within our network to find a solution and get them to their final destination as quickly and comfortably as possible. Reliability and safety are integral to our service, and we continuously work to improve our on time performance. 

The farewell is just as important as the welcome. At departure, our teams facilitate a smooth process with clear guidance, efficient handling and personalised attention, particularly for special occasions or individual needs. We want every guest to leave with a sense of gratitude and a lasting memory of their journey, feeling that their time with Maldivian was a natural extension of the islands themselves.

4. The aviation sector faces increased pressure to decarbonize. What are your thoughts on the balance between necessary growth and climate responsibility, particularly for a small island nation like the Maldives?

For a small island nation like ours, growth and climate responsibility must go hand in hand. Aviation is vital for connecting communities and sustaining the economy, yet we remain among the most vulnerable to climate change. Our challenge is to expand in a way that steadily reduces the emissions intensity of our operations while supporting credible long-term solutions.

A key step has been the renewal of our domestic fleet. We have begun transitioning to ATR aircraft, ideally suited to the short inter-island sectors that define our market. These aircraft offer greater capacity with significantly lower fuel burn, quieter operations, modern cabins, improved dispatch reliability, and streamlined maintenance through a common fleet type. 

This commitment is guided by our Green Horizons Initiative, which brings together all our environmental efforts under a unified framework. Through Green Horizons, we focus on reducing emissions, improving energy efficiency, sourcing sustainable products, promoting responsible waste management, and supporting conservation projects that directly benefit the Maldives. This includes our tree plantation programme in support of the Government’s initiative, where we have planted trees in designated community and coastal areas. We also participate in CORSIA — the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation — with all reporting undertaken by Maldivian, ensuring our compliance with international climate frameworks while shouldering the responsibility ourselves. 

Our approach is underpinned by robust governance. We are developing transparent carbon accounting and embedding emissions considerations into fleet, network and product decisions, in line with national climate objectives. By reducing what we can today, investing in scalable solutions for tomorrow, and reporting progress openly, Maldivian aims to drive national development while advancing a credible pathway to lower-emission operations.

5. What does success look like to you? Not just for the company, but for the people who make it run: the engineers, cabin crew, ground staff, and pilots?

To me, success is not defined solely by financial results or operational milestones. It is equally about the pride, purpose and wellbeing of the people who make it possible. At the organisational level, success means delivering safe, reliable and meaningful air connectivity, strengthening tourism, enabling trade, supporting national development and expanding our presence internationally. But that is only part of the picture.

True success lies in creating an environment where our people, from pilots and engineers to cabin crew and ground teams, feel valued, empowered and proud of what they do. They are the heart of Maldivian. Without their skill, dedication and resilience, we would not be able to operate. Today, 94% of our workforce is powered by local talent, and we remain committed to investing in our people. Last year alone, we delivered over 100 training programmes and trained over 600 staff to strengthen skills across all operational and support areas, ensuring we have the capabilities to meet the highest standards.

Our definition of success also includes the critical role we play in the lives of Maldivians. Through our air ambulance and medical evacuation services, to ensure urgent medical care reaches geographically dispersed communities when it is needed most. Whether it is an engineer ensuring airworthiness, a pilot navigating complex weather, ground staff turning aircraft around efficiently, or a cabin crew member assisting a patient in transit, every role is vital and every effort matters.

This is more than a service. It is a national commitment. For 25 years, we have sustained it without interruption, no matter how uncertain the times have been. We kept the Maldives connected during the 2004 tsunami, through the challenges of COVID-19 and during other difficult periods. That continuity is the result of a shared belief that our role goes beyond aviation. It is about keeping our nation connected, safeguarding lives and supporting our communities, whatever the circumstances.

6. As Maldivian grows, how do you see its role evolving in shaping the country’s future, both in connectivity and national identity?

As the national airline, Maldivian’s role extends far beyond transporting passengers from one point to another. We are an enabler of national development, and our growth must align with the Maldives’ long- term aspirations. Today, that means enhancing domestic connectivity and strengthening our presence in key international markets such as India and China. Tomorrow, it means expanding our reach beyond current borders, connecting the Maldives directly to regions including Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and emerging tourism source markets with untapped potential.

Connectivity is the cornerstone of progress, and it is both the view of the Government and the company that this is a national service. Without connectivity, progress will not come. By linking the atolls and Maldives to the wider world, we support tourism, trade, investment and essential services. Every new route unlocks opportunities for resorts, guesthouses and local enterprises, while every schedule enhancement makes the Maldives more accessible and competitive as a global destination.

Equally important is the role we play in representing our nation. The moment a passenger steps aboard a Maldivian aircraft, their journey becomes part of the Maldivian experience. Through our service, hospitality and professionalism, we carry the spirit of our islands into every market we serve. That is why we treat every flight as more than a journey. It is part of the story our visitors will take home and share.

Looking ahead, I envision Maldivian playing an even more pivotal role in national development. This means targeting new markets with direct flights, forging strategic partnerships to extend our reach, and aligning closely with national marketing efforts to ensure aviation and tourism advance together. Our growth must be purposeful, connecting the Maldives with the right markets at the right time, and building a network that reflects both our ambitions and our identity.

7. When people look back on your time at Maldivian years from now, what do you hope they’ll say you brought to the airline?

When people look back on my time at Maldivian, I would like them to say that we approached the future with a clear strategy and a structured plan. From the outset, we identified our priorities, set measurable objectives, and committed to achieving them within the tenure. Significant progress has already been made in initiating key projects on that list, from expanding our network and modernising the fleet to strengthening operational reliability and service quality.

I hope it will be recognised that we positioned Maldivian not merely as an airline, but as a catalyst for tourism growth, a connector of communities, and a trusted ambassador for our nation abroad. These achievements were not the result of chance, but of coordinated effort, disciplined execution and a shared vision across the organisation.

I would also like it to be acknowledged that we built with the long term in mind. Together, we pursued growth, invested in our people and systems, and advanced our sustainability commitments. If, years from now, people can say that we left Maldivian stronger, more competitive, and more connected to the world, while remaining true to the warmth and hospitality the Maldives is known for, then I believe we will have achieved something truly meaningful.