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Saudia Starts Flight Operations to the Maldives

Saudia flight in the Maldives
The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, Saudia started flight operations to the Maldives on 20th May 2021.

The national flag carrier of Saudi Arabia, Saudia started flight operations to the Maldives on 20th May 2021. According to Velana International Airport, the airline will operate four weekly flights to the tropical holiday destination.

Earlier Saudia Airlines issued travel guidelines for 38 countries including the Maldives. The borders of Saudi Arabia is open for vaccinated citizens. Before departure, Saudia requires travellers to take a PCR certificate from an accredited screening centre in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Upon returning to the kingdom, travellers must also quarantine for 7 days at home. Moreover, at the end of the week, they must take a PCR test.

Saudi Arabia lifted the suspension of its citizens to travel abroad on 17th May 2021. According to Reuters, citizens of the Kingdom who received two shots of the vaccine (or one shot at least two weeks before travel), recovered from COVID-19 within the last 6 months and the citizens under 18 are allowed to travel.

Also read: Maldives Records Over 400,000 Tourist Arrivals in 2021

Saudi Arabia and the Maldives maintain close bilateral relations. The kingdom has supported the island nation in several project developments and infrastructure projects, including Velana International Airport’s development.

A total of 30 airlines are operating flights to the Maldives as of 23rd May 2021. Major airlines including Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways started operations to the tropical holiday destination in the early days when the country reopened its borders.

According to the latest statistics from the Maldives’ Ministry of Tourism, 437,995 tourists have arrived in the island archipelago between 1st January 2021 and 21st May 2021. This is an increase of 14.4% compared to the same period of 2020.

The Maldives aims to welcome over 1.5 million tourists in 2021. Furthermore, it has been projected Maldives’ GDP will grow by 17.1% in 2021 and 11.5% in 2022 thanks to tourism.

Feature image by Velana International Airport

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Mahin Mohamed Appointed Airline Relations Manager at Maldives Inflight Kitchen

Maldives Inflight Kitchen appoints new Airline Relations Manager

Maldives Inflight Kitchen has recently appointed Mahin Mohamed as the new Airline Relations Manager. In his new role, Mahin will be responsible for building and nurturing relationships with airline clients, managing negotiations, discovering new business opportunities, overseeing service delivery, and staying on top of industry developments. His leadership will be crucial in strengthening partnerships and driving the company’s growth, especially as demand for inflight catering services rises alongside the airport’s expansion.

Ali Shakir, Group General Manager of Maldives Inflight Catering Group, shared his excitement about Mahin joining the team. He remarked,

“We are proud to welcome Mahin as our Airline Relations Manager. With his deep familiarity with this market and strong industry connections, Mahin is poised to drive our inflight catering services to new heights. As the airport expands, we are ready to meet the growing demand, catering to private jets and commercial carriers with world-class culinary excellence. His leadership will be key in strengthening partnerships and boosting revenue, solidifying our position as the premier choice for inflight catering”

Mahin’s professional journey with Maldives Inflight Kitchen began at the Hulhule Island Hotel, where he initially took on the role of Accounts Payables Specialist. Over time, he progressed through the ranks, first becoming the HR Manager at the hotel and later assuming the same position at Maldives Inflight Kitchen. His strategic mindset, dedication, and leadership qualities have always made him an invaluable asset. Moreover, Mahin’s experience extends beyond the company. He has also worked as HR Manager at Medianet and served as the Political Director – Head of Minister Bureau & Head of Appointed Political Staff at the Ministry of Sports, Fitness, and Recreation in 2024. These varied roles have enriched his skills in organizational management and relationship building, which are essential for his current responsibilities.

Mahin holds a Human Resource Management Certification from Business Consultancy Pvt Ltd, which complements his strong foundation in leadership and people management.

Ashely Lim, General Manager of Maldives Inflight Kitchen, also expressed his excitement about Mahin’s new role

“We are thrilled to welcome Mahin into this pivotal role. His comprehensive experience across various sectors and his deep understanding of our organization makes him uniquely qualified to foster and strengthen relationships with our airline partners. We are confident that his leadership will contribute
significantly to MIK’s continued success.”

Mahin’s appointment is especially notable as he becomes the first local Airline Relations Manager at Maldives Inflight Kitchen in over 32 years. His key responsibilities will include being the main point of contact for airline clients, driving business growth, and ensuring that the company’s inflight catering services remain at the highest standard. Additionally, Mahin will be integral in identifying new opportunities and ensuring that Maldives Inflight Kitchen continues to offer innovative solutions.

Reflecting on his return to the company, Mahin shared,

“Coming back to a place where I’ve spent 15 years brings back a wave of memories and a sense of pride in how far I’ve come. The MIC Group has felt like family, helping shape me into the person I am today. I’m grateful for this opportunity and excited to contribute to the company’s ongoing growth.”

For over 32 years, Maldives Inflight Kitchen has been known for its exceptional inflight catering services, catering to both airlines and private jets. The company’s commitment to quality and reliability has led to continuous growth and solid relationships with customers and partners. With Mahin’s leadership, Maldives Inflight Kitchen is positioned for even greater success in the years to come.

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