Maldives to follow UK aviation safety guidelines for helicopter operations

The Maldives is working to complete preparations for the introduction of helicopter services within the next one to two weeks, with operations to follow guidelines issued by the United Kingdom's Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), Minister of Tourism and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen said on Sunday.

Speaking at the 'Ahaa' public forum organised by the President's Office and state media, Ameen said the government was working to meet aviation safety requirements before launching the service.

The minister said the Maldives had not operated helicopter services for approximately 25 years, resulting in limited technical expertise and operational experience in the sector.

Ameen said the introduction of helicopter services would require more than securing an operator, as the government must also ensure compliance with civil aviation regulations and safety standards.

"We need more than just helicopter operators. We also need to consider civil aviation and safety standards. We have now decided to introduce this service in accordance with the guidelines provided in the assessments of the UK's Civil Aviation Authority," he said.

The minister said the primary purpose of introducing helicopter operations was to provide medical evacuation services, particularly from islands without airports.

"We also want to be able to provide medical evacuation services easily, including from places without airports," he said.

Ameen said helicopter services would also support passenger transportation and tourism operations across the country, including during the day and at night.

He said previous incidents involving helicopters in the Maldives approximately 20 to 25 years ago had contributed to the discontinuation of such operations.

The minister attributed delays in reintroducing the service to the government's efforts to meet safety requirements identified through UK CAA assessments.

"God willing, we have worked towards completing the preparations for launching this service within the next week or two," Ameen said.

He expressed hope that the project would proceed without further delays once the necessary arrangements were completed.

In July, Ameen announced during a programme broadcast by Public Service Media (PSM) that the government had identified a party to provide helicopter services in the Maldives and expected to award the contract the following month.

However, the service has yet to commence.

Since taking office, the government has issued several announcements seeking operators to establish helicopter services in the Maldives.

The proposed nationwide service is intended to provide commercial passenger transportation, emergency medical evacuations and search-and-rescue operations across the country's islands.

Despite repeated efforts to identify an operator, the government has yet to formally launch the service.