Manta Air Receives D1 Rating from MCAA, Advancing Specialized NDT Services
- Avaitors Maldives
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Manta Air has strengthened its engineering capabilities with new approval from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority (MCAA) to perform specialized Non‑Destructive Testing (NDT) on aircraft structures and components. The D1 rating, granted to the airline’s Maintenance Organisation, places Manta Air among the few operators in the country authorized to carry out these high‑precision inspections in‑house.
The certification allows the airline to conduct three advanced NDT methods: Liquid Penetrant Inspection (PT), Eddy Current Testing (ET), and Ultrasonic Testing (UT). These techniques are essential for detecting cracks, corrosion, and internal defects without damaging the component being examined, and are widely used across the global aviation industry to ensure structural integrity and long‑term airworthiness.
Manta Air’s NDT work will be carried out at its dedicated workshop in Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo, a facility equipped with controlled environmental conditions, engineered lighting, and specialized probe systems designed to ensure accuracy and repeatability.
Head of Engineering Pablo Alves said the approval marks a major step in the airline’s technical development, giving the engineering division greater autonomy over critical inspections.
“The D1 approval represents a strategic leap forward for our Engineering Division. By bringing specialized NDT services fully in-house, we gain independence, reduce outsourcing costs, and improve turnaround times for critical inspections. More importantly, this achievement complements our recent advancements across structural repairs, livery painting, EMMA checks, CPCP execution, and our expanded battery workshops. Together, these capabilities strengthen our ability to ensure fleet safety, reliability, and long-term operational excellence.”
The airline has been expanding its engineering infrastructure over the past two years, including upgrades to structural repair facilities, paint and livery operations, corrosion‑prevention programs, and battery servicing workshops for both Ni‑Cad and lead‑acid systems.
Deputy CEO Ahmed Maumoon said the D1 rating is a key milestone in the airline’s long‑term plan to build a more capable and self‑sufficient engineering ecosystem at its Dhaalu Airport base.
“This milestone is an important chapter in Manta Air’s journey of continuous growth and capability expansion. As the fastest-growing domestic and seaplane operator in the Maldives, we remain committed to investing in world-class engineering facilities and technical expertise at our MRO in Dhaalu Airport. The D1 approval not only enhances our service quality for our own operations, but also positions us to support resort partners, industry stakeholders, and fellow operators across the country. We will continue to elevate our standards, broaden our technical offerings, and build an engineering ecosystem that reflects Manta Air’s vision for excellence and national pride.”
With the D1 rating now secured, Manta Air plans to introduce additional technical capabilities in 2026. The airline says these upcoming enhancements are aligned with its long‑term goal of strengthening domestic MRO capacity and reducing reliance on overseas service providers.
The approval positions Manta Air to play a larger role in the Maldives’ aviation maintenance landscape, offering specialized inspection services to both its own fleet and other operators across the country.
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