SriLankan to open training centre in Maldives

The International Aviation Academy (IAA) the training arm of SriLankan Airlines- the national carrier of Sri Lanka proudly announces the launch of its first overseas operations on August 15, 2012. The franchised training agreement between IAA and Orient Express Pvt Limited, Maldives will make new avenues in the Aviation Industry in terms of building human capital for the future.

This will be the first International Air Transportation Association (IATA) Authorized Training Centre (ATC) in the Maldives.

IAA strives to take you higher, in your carrier in Aviation Travel and Tourism. As an Authorized Training Centre for IATA, IAA has been in the field of aviation education for the past decade actively engaged in providing education solutions.

From left - Buddhika Hewawsam (IAA Development Manager Sri Lanka) , Pradeepa Kekulawala (Head of Human Resources) Ranjith Weerakkody (Co partner, Oriental Express (pvt) Ltd) and Zainudeena (Co partner Oriental Express (pvt) Ltd)exchanging the signed agreement between Sri Lankan Airlines & Oriental Express (Pvt) Ltd at the IAA branch in Maldives

Recognition as one of the Top10 training partners in South Asia by IATA in 2012 further validates IAAs presence in Aviation Education in the South Asian Region. Further IAA is the first in South Asia to be recognized by IATA as a Regional Training Facility for international aviation training by awarding the Franchised Training Partner in the Maldives.

Furthermore IAA is the sole training provider for Travel Agents Association of SriLankan (TAASL). IAA is responsible for catering all training needs of SriLankan Airlines, whilst expanding its market for external training both locally and internationally. Orient Express Pvt Limited, established in 1990's is a well experienced corporate in the service sector in Maldives. It is one of the leading goods and service providers having strong ties with globally renowned partners. As a new extension Orient Express Pvt Limited join hands with IAA to provide education solutions to the Maldives.

Organizing of the infrastructure facility and marketing of the training programmes in Maldives would be the key areas to be looked after by Orient Express Pvt Limited. General Manager Orient Express said “This is a great opportunity for the Maldives, joining hands with a reliable brand to establish aviation education, which will immensely benefit us.”

The IATA ATC will bring many advantages. Ability to acquire world class training for competitive price, from a qualified and well experienced panel of instructors within Maldives would be a golden opportunity. Successful completion will equip the candidates with IATA Certification. This will open new horizons with a wide range of job opportunities across the globe. High performers will also have the opportunity for On the Job Training.

As defined by the Manager IAA, this partnership with the best corporate house in the Maldives, further supported by the Maldivian government is a solid beginning. The IAA Branch will deliver the same level of high quality aviation education to Maldivian youth to enter a most sought after lucrative aviation industry, producing qualified native aviation professionals

Pradeepa Kekulawala, Head of Human Resources, SriLankan Airlines said, “Being one of the IATA Top 10 Aviation Academies of South Asia, a recognition of our excellence and effectiveness in Aviation training, we decided to offer our programmes to the regional markets and our first choice was Maldives, considering our long term relationship between the countries and the lucrative Travel & Tourism opportunities.

SriLankan Airlines is a household brand in the Maldives. Our service to Maldives has a history of more than two decades and to achieve the next level, we decided to have a branch in Maldives.

We are proud to announce that we have an exclusive status from IATA to offer IATA training programmes at the training centre we are launching today. This itself proves the quality of training we offer along with Oriental Express, our franchisee and local partner on whom we have a great deal confidence. We guarantee our usual highest quality training to your market, delivered by professional trainers of SriLankan Airlines and to provide outstanding on the job trainings and internship opportunities.