Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has introduced children to the extensive engineering and technical work carried out behind the scenes at Velana International Airport (VIA), as part of activities held to mark National Engineers’ Day.
MACL participated in the Children’s Evening at Hulhumalé Central Park, where engineers from the company demonstrated several of the systems required for the day-to-day operation of the country’s main international airport.
The company’s exhibition covered seven key technical areas: water and sewerage services, mechanical services, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), fuel services, information technology, aerodrome ground aids, and power generation and distribution.
Through the displays, children were able to learn how these different fields work together to support airport operations, including services and infrastructure that passengers may rarely see despite their importance to the functioning of VIA.
MACL engineers were also present to speak with visitors, sharing experiences from their respective fields and explaining the career opportunities available for engineers and other technical professionals within airport operations.
The Children’s Evening was held as part of National Engineers’ Day activities aimed at increasing awareness of the contribution engineers make to the country’s development. A particular focus of the event was introducing engineering to younger generations in an accessible way and encouraging children to consider careers in technical fields.
Engineering plays a critical role in airport operations. Beyond runways and passenger terminals, an international airport depends on uninterrupted electricity, fuel infrastructure, airfield systems, information technology, cooling and ventilation, water and sewerage networks and numerous mechanical systems.
These technical operations have taken on greater importance as Velana International Airport continues to expand to accommodate growth in passenger traffic and the Maldives’ tourism industry.
MACL, which operates VIA, has been overseeing major infrastructure developments at the airport as part of efforts to increase capacity and modernise the country’s principal international gateway.
The company said its participation in initiatives such as the National Engineers’ Day programme also supports efforts to encourage more young Maldivians to develop an interest in aviation, engineering and technical professions.
The Children’s Evening was held at Hulhumalé Central Park from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, with organisations from across the engineering sector participating in activities for children and families.