Gov’t to Introduce Measures Ensuring Jet Handling Revenue Benefits Locals

The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen has announced that the Maldivian government will implement new measures to ensure that the revenue generated by the jet handling business will primarily benefit Maldivians.

During a press conference at the President’s Office, Ameen addressed the longstanding nature of the jet handling business in the Maldives and highlighted that, despite its growth, it has yet to yield substantial financial benefits for locals. According to Ameen, the current structure of the industry allows foreign entities to reap most of the profits, while Maldivians are left with relatively low wages.

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“Many private jets arrive in the Maldives due to our thriving tourism industry. Yet, although jet handling is an established business here, the Maldives lacks the network control to regulate it effectively. As a result, businesses from neighbouring countries have structured arrangements where Maldivians serve as nominal representatives, while significant profits are sent abroad,” Ameen explained.

He further noted that foreign companies also dominate other key services, such as General Sales Agent (GSA) and Passenger Services Agent (PSA) roles for major airlines operating in the Maldives.

However, Minister Ameen assured that the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is determined to restructure the industry to ensure that Maldivian companies and citizens see greater returns from these operations. He announced that regulatory amendments supporting Maldivian enterprises would be introduced next year.

“The government’s objective is clear: to ensure that 100 percent of the beneficiaries in the jet handling business are Maldivian companies,” Ameen stated.

Additionally, he mentioned upcoming changes in auditing practices aimed at reducing foreign revenue streams in the yacht handling sector, further supporting local economic interests.