Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen states the current administration is unlikely to open opportunities for pilot training due to the current situation.
The number of pilots in the Maldives exceeds demand with dozens who completed pilot training unemployed.
Speaking during a program by Dhivehi Rajjeyge Adu, Minister Ameen said it is unlikely the current administration will open any additional opportunities for pilot training as there are professions more in demand for the nation than cadet pilots at present.  
However, he assured that the government will stand in their way if students who have received scholarships in the field previously wish to continue in the field.
The Minister emphasized that it is not right to produce more pilots amidst the current situation.
Minister Ameen stated that no airline in the Maldives is allowed to operate flights with a cadet pilot, adding that in his extensive experience in the aviation industry, he has never seen a Maldivian cadet pilot get employed anywhere in the world.
According to the Minister, aviation growth in the Maldives stands at 7.5 percent. He detailed that only a maximum of 20 to 22 cadet pilots have been given employment per year through the training process over the past six years. This is solely carried out by Maldivian and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), he added.
“Over 500 students were granted the opportunity to undertake pilot training during the last administration. A huge excess has occurred because scholarships were given beyond what was needed for the sake of achieving a certain goal. Apart from this, an additional 200 students are studying at their own expense,” he said.
Minister Ameen emphasized that the issue of excess cadet pilots is not just faced in the Maldives. In this trajectory, he detailed that the civil aviation act in some countries banned employing pilots from other countries as cadet pilots.
Speaking further, Minister Ameen underscored that students returning after completing pilot training must have their licenses renewed. He emphasized that the license holds little value if they are unable to secure employment or receive further training.
“This is a huge issue faced by a generation. We have explored what can be done to resolve the issue. In this regard, we have ordered [airline] operators to increase intake of students,” he said.
Notably, only 10 loan opportunities were issued for pilot training last year in light of the lack of jobs.
The former MDP administration had awarded hundreds of scholarships for pilot training – something which the current administration alleged was done with political intent.
Back in April, Minister Ameen revealed that there are over 200 students who have completed pilot training and have been unable to find employment.