Dated: 30th March 2017 – Male’ – Maldives
Issued by: Maldives Civil Aviation Authority
The Republic of Maldives and the Kingdom of Thailand have concluded a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to amend the Air Services Agreement signed between the two countries on 21st December 1989, and to enhance the air links to accommodate the current demand.
The MOU was signed in Male’ today by Mr. Hussain Jaleel, Chief Executive, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Director General, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand.
The MOU formalises the commitments made in February this year between Minister of Tourism of Maldives, Hon. Mr. Moosa Zameer, and Minister of Transport of the Kingdom of Thailand Hon. Mr. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, for an expansion of air links between Male’ and Bangkok, facilitate airport slot allocations, explore aviation training opportunities venues for aviation cooperation.
The national airline of Maldives-“Maldivian” and Bangkok Airways of Thailand currently serve Male’ – Bangkok route. Tourism statistic shows that around 16,000 Thai tourists travel between Thailand and Maldives annually. It is expected that the enhanced air links will accommodate the increased demand for travel by businessmen and tourists and will strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the Mr. Ibrahim Faizal, the Chairman of Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, senior officials Ministry of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Thailand, Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, and Ministry of Transport of Thailand, Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways. In addition senior officials of Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Island Aviation Services and Maldives Airports Company was also present to witness the signing ceremony.