No plans to increase pilot training scholarships, Ameen says
Ameen said that a large number of Maldivians who studied piloting remain unemployed, and policy changes are being considered to address this issue.
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has said that the government is unlikely to offer additional scholarships for pilot training, citing high unemployment among individuals who have already completed such programmes.
Speaking during the Aashey Bunaanan radio programme on Friday, Minister Ameen said that a large number of Maldivians who studied piloting remain unemployed, and policy changes are being considered to address this issue.
“This is a significant issue affecting a generation,” Ameen said, referring to the number of trained but unemployed pilots. He noted that airlines have already hired more cadet pilots than needed under current operational standards.
“I do not believe the government will increase opportunities for pilot training at this time. There is no need to train more cadet pilots at present,” he said.
According to Ameen, the previous administration awarded more than 500 pilot training scholarships. He added that many students and their families were unaware of the limited employment opportunities available in the sector. In addition, he said about 200 students were pursuing pilot training at their own expense.
“Giving scholarships in areas where there is no demand results in oversupply,” he said.
Ameen also noted that some countries have restrictions in place that prevent local airline jobs from being offered to foreign cadet pilots. However, he said the number of positions that can be provided by airlines is limited.
“More than 500 students were trained, and if only 24 or 25 can be employed each year, the rest will continue to remain unemployed. Cadet pilot licences also have expiration timelines,” he said.
The minister provided further figures on the aviation sector, stating that it is growing annually at a rate of 7% to 7.5%. On average, between 20 to 22 cadet pilots are hired annually by Maldivian and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), he added.
Ameen clarified that the government would not prevent students from switching their fields of study if they choose to do so, noting that such decisions would remain with the individuals.
