Velana International Airport Welcomes First A380 to its New Code F Runway

The historical first A380 aircraft landed at the newly established Code F Runway today at Velana International Airport (VIA). A special ceremony was held to mark this historical day, which was graced by president of the Republic of Maldives, Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.

The Etihad A380 aircraft landed at local time 1548hrs after the low fly pass. The aircraft was welcomed in style by water salute at VIA. Para jumpers by the MNDF Special Forces made their jump from 5000 feet and honored the president of Maldives. A fleet of Maldivian and TMA planes also made a low fly pass honoring the ceremony.

The Maldivian Football team, the champions of the recent regional cup SAFF SUZUKI tournament also came on the same flight and was greeted by the President of Maldives. The president also met the
Maldivian pilot who flew the first A380 aircraft to the Maldives. At the ceremony, the Managing Director of Maldives Airports Company Ltd Mr. Adil Moosa said that it’s a dream come true for the Maldivian people on this historical day and major milestones has been achieved in the development of VIA and thanked the president for the visionary leadership for the future of the Maldives.

The president of the Maldives said that under his leadership he is fulfilling his promises to make Maldives a great nation and will do more in the coming years. The president thanked all those who were involved in the airport development project and the Maldivian football team for bringing glory to the nation. At the ceremony, Economic Development Minister Mr. Mohamed Saeed awarded a special corporate gift to the President of the Maldives on the occasion. The ceremony was attended by cabinet ministers, parliament members, state dignitaries, company seniors, the national football team and airport stakeholders.

Contact
Mr. Hassan Areef, Associate General Manager – Corporate Communication,
Email: hassan.areef@macl.aero