Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) has formed an aviation committee.

MATATO said in a statement that the committee was formed with those who had expressed interest when the announcement was made to recruit interested bidders. MATATO said it was an important step towards further development of the country's aviation sector.

MATATO said the main objective of setting up the committee was to further develop the country's aviation sector with special focus on local agencies. The committee would work with relevant agencies to empower local agencies with special focus on issues such as airline ticketing and supervisory ground handling.

MATATO's statement also lists a number of issues that the aviation committee plans to give special priority, including giving local agents a reasonable rate and including local agents in the decision-making process.

The aviation committee comprises Ahmed Arshad of Avia Maldives and Mohamed Mauroof of Get into Maldives.