The holder of Airline Transport Pilot License number 001, the first airline Captain in the Maldives Captain Ibrahim Rasheed is operating his last flight today after 40 years of flying.
Captain Ibrahim Rasheed developed his interest in aviation after seeing a picture hung at the house of Mr Mohamed Naeem (Pilot Naeem) where Mr Naeem was leaning on to a wing of a small aircraft. Mr Naeem is the first Maldivian to become a pilot.
It was very challenging at the time to become a pilot in the Maldives, almost near impossible due to lack of opportunities.
As Mr Rasheed completed O level's and began studying for the newly introduced 11th grade for A Level's; all 15 students enrolled were provided with an opportunity to pursue higher education by the Predidents Office.
Upon completion of A’ Levels, Mr Rasheed was awarded a scholarship in Aeronautical Engineering with Pilot Training in Pakistan.
However this was short lived as prior to the completion of training Mr Rasheed was brought back to the Maldives due to unrest in Pakistan and it was deemed unsafe for Maldivians to continue studying in the country.
Upon returning to Maldives with the assistance of a former teacher Mr Rasheed was able to secure a job at the foreign ministry. With keen interest to finish pilot training, Mr Rasheed wrote letters to different countries requesting scholarships and by the end of 1981 a scholarship was awarded from Australia for three students to study in Thailand where Mr Rasheed completed his pilot training.
Following training Captain Rasheed embarked on his professional aviation career as a pilot flying in Air Maldives in 1983.
Over the years Captain Rasheed worked in numerous positions as a pilot and in aviation in Air Maldives, Maldives National Defense Force, Island Aviation Services, Maldives Civil Aviation Authority and Villa Air.
Today after 40 years of service Captain Ibrahim Rasheed is operating his last flight as a pilot before retirement.
We salute Captain Rasheed as he leaves behind an incredible legacy in Maldives Aviation. Thank you.