The national airline, Maldivian, announced vacancy for four cadet pilots on September 11, attracting over one hundred applications by this Sunday.
This surge in applications follows a period where a significant number of young people, after completing aviation studies, find themselves unemployed. Last July, Maldivian ATR announced the recruitment of two pilots, and subsequently, the company's seaplane operation announced two more pilot positions last month.
Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas confirmed that approximately 100 individuals have applied for the positions, with the recruitment process currently underway.
The cadet pilot positions at Maldivian have been met with considerable interest. During the former MDP government, hundreds of students were awarded scholarships to pursue piloting. The interim government has since accused the Solih administration of offering an excessive number of pilot training opportunities for political reasons.
Crew members of a Maldivian Airlines flight. (File Photo/Maldivian)
Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen stated in April that the nation currently faces a surplus of approximately 200 unemployed individuals holding aviation licenses, a field of education known for its high costs.
Ameen emphasized that no Maldivian airline can operate solely with cadet pilots, and he has never observed Maldivian cadet pilots securing employment abroad. However, experienced Maldivian pilots and captains have found international employment.
Furthermore, Ameen indicated that the current government does not foresee opening additional opportunities for pilot training, citing the country's greater need for workers in other sectors over more cadet pilots.
It is noteworthy that only 10 opportunities were allocated last year for higher studies in aviation due to a lack of job creation in the sector.