The Air Service World Congress (ASWC) 2024, hosted by the Maldives Airports Company Ltd. (MACL), has commenced in the Maldives. This event marks the first aviation route development conference held in the Maldives, uniting international delegates for in-person discussions on the future of the aviation sector.
The ASWC 2024, held from 9-11 July in the Kurumba Maldives, will feature a dynamic exchange of ideas, fostering collaboration among industry leaders.
At a special welcoming event held at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, MACL’s CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed highlighted the conference’s timeliness. With Velana International Airport (VIA) currently undergoing significant infrastructural upgrades, the ASWC provides a pivotal platform for industry stakeholders to connect and share valuable insights, he said.
Mohamed also highlighted the event’s role in promoting the Maldives’ aviation industry. “As President Mohamed Muizzu prioritises VIA’s development,” he stated, “we are committed to elevating the airport’s standards to meet tourism sector expectations.”
Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Mohamed Ameen echoed this sentiment, underscoring the abundant opportunities for aviation-related services in the Maldives. Hosting events like ASWC contributes to the country’s economic development, he said. Tourism Minister Ibrahim Faisal and other industry stakeholders also attended the welcome ceremony.
ASWC 2024 boasts an impressive lineup of over 150 delegates representing 27 airlines and 17 airports, according to MACL. Among them are airport and route development executives, airline decision-makers, networking planners, aviation suppliers, and representatives from both aviation and tourism bodies.
MACL previously announced five new partners from the Maldives’ travel industry for ASWC 2024: Avia Maldives, Maagiri Hotel, Skytours Maldives, Villa Travels, and Maldives Flight Support.
The conference is also endorsed by the Maldives’ Tourism Ministry, the Transport Ministry, the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI), and the Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO).
Since its inception in 2010, ASWC has evolved into a global platform. The seventh edition continues to facilitate meetings between key airline decision-makers, fostering new routes and business opportunities. It strengthens relationships, showcases Maldivian hospitality and culture, and positions VIA for long-term success, according to MACL.
