Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Maldives National University (MNU) to conduct a nationwide air cargo study.

RACL’s Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen signed the agreement on behalf of the regional airports company while MNU’s Vice Chancellor Aishath Shehenaz Adam signed on behalf of the university.

Mubeen and Adam exchange MOU copies, officially finalising the MOU between RACL and MNU | Photo: RACL

The nationwide study will be conducted by dividing the islands across three regions and is scheduled to be completed in four months, RACL said in a statement.

The study will seek to identify;

  • The extent of the need for expedited delivery of goods by air cargo for non-commercial use
  • The extent to which businesses want to ship goods via air cargo
  • The difficulties encountered in shipping goods by air cargo and the steps to be taken to resolve these issues
  • Obstacles to cargo transportation between the airport and other islands by sea
  • The availability of facilities for air cargo services at regional airports

RACL is also in discussions with an overseas company to identify opportunities for cargo transportation by drone, the company said.