Check-in system trial conducted at VIA new terminal

A check-in system trial was successfully carried out at Velana International Airport (VIA)'s new terminal yesterday.

MACL, which operates VIA, said in a statement said that a trial of the check-in systems was held yesterday with national airline Maldivian where mock passengers completed check-in.

MACL said that this is part of the Operational Readiness Airport Tranfer (ORAT process), being carried out to ascertain smooth operations of the airport's services, equipment and machineries. It will also involve training human resources.

In the trial carried out with MACL staff, Maldivian's systems and boarding pass printing systems were tested. It also included testing IT related systems at the new terminal.

MACL CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef also participated in the trial as the first passenger. MACL Deputy Managing Directors Mohamed Lam'aan and Mujuthaba Latheef, as well as other senior officials also participated.

Shareef expressed confidence that the new terminal is now ready for operations and would provide exemplary service. He further said that MACL staff are committed to ensuring smooth operations and are well prepared.

"Be assured, this has now begun. What's ahead is to swiftly bring in flights and officially open this terminal. The staff are joyous, and are in strong national spirits," Shareef said.

Maldivian Ground Operations General Manager Abdulla Niyaz said that relevant ground operation tests are also currently in progress.

"Our hope is that this new service will present excellent services to citizens and passengers," he said.

MACL plans to open the new terminal on July 26, coinciding with Maldives' 60th Independence Day.

MACL aims to transfer operations of all airlines to the new terminal ahead of this year's tourist season.