For the first time in the Maldives, a successful trial has been conducted connecting an aircraft to an aero bridge at Velana International Airport (VIA). The trial is a key milestone in the Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer (ORAT) process required before the opening of VIA’s new terminal.

The trial was launched on July 15 and involved two of the twelve passenger boarding bridges installed at the terminal. An Airbus A330 and an A320 aircraft were used during the test, which also included the country’s first use of an advanced visual docking guidance system (AVDGS).

The event was overseen by senior officials of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), including CEO and Managing Director Ibrahim Shareef Mohamed. Deputy Managing Directors Mohammad Laman and Mujtaba Latheef were also present to monitor the progress.

Following the trial, Deputy Managing Director Mujtaba Latheef described the day as a significant milestone for both MACL and the Maldives. He stated that, for the first time in the country, a passenger boarding bridge had successfully enabled passengers to connect directly to the terminal, eliminating the need for buses or walking across the tarmac.

Currently, passengers disembark from aircraft either by bus or on foot, which can result in significant delays and inconvenience. Evacuating an aircraft typically takes between 28 to 35 minutes under the existing system. The use of passenger boarding bridges is expected to reduce this time to approximately eight minutes, improving efficiency and passenger comfort while enhancing safety.

In addition to the bridges, the trial also successfully tested the AVDGS, one of the world’s most advanced docking systems. The system, already in use at major airports such as those in Dubai, Singapore and several European countries, provides pilots with electronic display guidance for parking the aircraft, even in conditions of reduced visibility due to rain or air pollution.

At present, pilots are directed by trained marshals from the taxiway to the apron. However, during adverse weather, this manual system can present challenges. The AVDGS offers a safer, more reliable solution and enhances both staff and aircraft safety.