Zenith Aviation Academy Receives CAA Approval to Conduct Pilot Training, Marking a New Chapter in Addu’s Flight School History

Zenith Aviation Academy (ZAA) has officially obtained Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Approved Training Organization (ATO) status to conduct Part-FCL pilot training, establishing itself as the newest certified flight training provider in the country. This milestone marks a significant evolution in Addu City’s aviation education landscape, which has undergone several transitions over the past decade.

Flight training in Addu began with the Asian Academy of Aeronautics (AAA), a Sri Lankan operated school. Despite its early promise, AAA faced persistent operational challenges, including academic delays and student complaints, which ultimately led to its closure.

In response, Island Aviation Services Ltd (IASL) partnered with the Maldives National University (MNU) to launch the Maldivian Aviation Academy (MAA) in 2022. MAA aimed to restore pilot training capacity in the Maldives and provide structured programs aligned with international standards.

However, by early 2025, IASL began the process of transferring management of MAA to a foreign owned private entity, citing the operational and financial complexities of running a flight school directly under an airline.

The transition culminated in the emergence of Zenith Aviation Academy, led by Managing Director Sandeep Kumar, with shareholders including Atoll Consultancy Pvt Ltd and Simplify Holdings Group Limited.

The academy’s board includes Ismail Rasheed, who also serves as Chief Operating Officer, and Smitha Hegdi. According to Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen, the transfer was conducted through a formal Request for Proposal (RFP) process, and reflects a broader industry trend of separating airline operations from aviation training.

With its newly granted ATO status, ZAA is now authorized to offer Part-FCL pilot training programs in the Maldives, including Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL) theory, and Instrument Rating courses. The academy has positioned itself to serve both local and international candidates, expanding access to aviation education and supporting the development of skilled professionals for the Maldives’ growing aviation sector.

ZAA’s approval signals a renewed commitment to aviation training in Addu City, reinforcing its role as a strategic hub for pilot development in the region. The academy’s launch also reflects the Maldives’ broader efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure.