Unlikely to Open New Pilot Training Opportunities Amid Oversupply, Says Gov’t

Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has said the government is unlikely to open further opportunities for pilot training due to a significant oversupply of trained pilots in the Maldives.

The Minister, speaking during a programme on Dhivehi Raajjeyge Adu, noted that the number of trained pilots in the country far exceeds demand, with hundreds remaining unemployed. He stated that other professions are currently more in demand and stressed that it would be unwise to produce more cadet pilots in the current situation.

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Minister Ameen highlighted that no airline in the Maldives is permitted to operate flights with a cadet pilot. Based on his extensive experience in the aviation industry, he noted he had never seen Maldivian cadet pilots gain employment internationally.

He revealed that while the aviation sector is growing at around 7.5 percent annually, only around 20 to 22 cadet pilots have been employed each year over the past six years, primarily by Maldivian and Trans Maldivian Airways.

According to the Minister, over 500 students were awarded pilot training scholarships under the previous administration, far exceeding actual needs. An additional 200 students are currently studying at their own expense. He attributed this surplus to politically motivated decisions by the former government.

He also noted that the issue is not unique to the Maldives, as some countries have enacted laws preventing airlines from employing foreign cadet pilots.

The Minister acknowledged the challenges faced by students who have completed training but cannot find work or renew their licences. He said the government is working to address the issue by instructing local airlines to increase student intake, although only 10 pilot training loans were issued last year due to the limited job market.

Earlier in April, Minister Ameen had disclosed that over 200 students who completed pilot training remain unemployed.