- Weekdays – 08:00 – 17:00 hours
- Weekends – Friday & Saturday
Welcome to Zenith Aviation Academy – Where Careers Take Flight.
At Zenith Aviation Academy, we believe that every dream of flying deserves the right runway. Located on the Equator in the Maldives, our world-class academy delivers immersive, fast-tracked flight training with unmatched flying conditions and an instructor-led learning environment designed to launch global aviation careers.
Who are We
Academy Overview
Zenith Aviation Academy is a premier aviation training institution offering intergrated and modular pilot programs designed for aspriring aviators around the world. Our year-round flying opportunity Commercial Pilot License program combines theoretical instruction with extensive flight training under ideal weather conditions, allowing our cadets to progress faster and fly with confidence.
From morden simulator to flying aircraft under a strong mentorship culture, we have build a training environment that empowers future pilots to reach new heights.
Vision
To be the foremost aviation training hub, empowering future pilots through innovative instruction, ideal equatorial conditions, and a globally inclusive academic setting.
Mission
To shape world-class competitive pilots through immersive training that harnesses equatorial weather for continuous flying and delivers airline-level readiness in one year.
Core Values – Z.E.N.I.T.H
- Zeal for Excellence.
- Equatorial Advantage.
- Nurturing Talent.
- Innovation in Training.
- Trust & Safety.
- High-Speed Progression.
Meet the Team
At Zenith, our leadership and instructional team are the heart of our academy’s success. Each member brings extensive experience in global aviation training, flight safety and student mentorship.
Ismail Rasheed (Imak)
Chief Operations Officer
With over 40 years of aviation experience, Imak is a true pioneer in the Maldivian skies. From engineering to regulatory leadership, he has served in top roles across the aviation spectrum — including stints as Head of Safety, Quality Manager, and even a Deputy Director at the Civil Aviation Department.
A master of compliance, safety, and operational excellence, his deep knowledge of EASA frameworks, MCARs, and AOC regulations makes him the backbone of our safety strategy at Zenith. Imak’s legacy is built on integrity, mentorship, and a relentless pursuit of safety-first aviation. We’re proud to have him guide our path.
Hassan Shinwaan Afeef
Head of Compliance, Safety & Security
With over 20 years of experience, Shinwaan is a recognized expert in aviation compliance, safety oversight, and regulatory frameworks. His background includes key roles in quality auditing, safety investigations, and the development of safety and compliance systems.
A former Airworthiness Inspector at the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority, he brings deep expertise in MCARs and international aviation standards. He has led numerous audits, supported AOC approvals, and built safety programs from the ground up.
At Zenith, Shinwaan ensures our operations meet the highest safety and regulatory standards — with integrity, precision, and vision.
Ali Asim
Combined Airworthiness Manager
With over 10 years of experience in aircraft maintenance and continuing airworthiness, Asim brings technical precision and deep industry insight to Zenith’s operations. His background covers end-to-end oversight of CAMO functions, lease returns, and major maintenance checks across Airbus and Boeing fleets.
He has successfully managed aircraft inductions, engine and APU transitions, and regulatory compliance processes, with a strong focus on airworthiness documentation and audit readiness.
At Zenith, Asim ensures every aircraft is maintained to the highest standards — delivering safety, reliability, and technical excellence with every takeoff.
Capt. Joel C. D. Samuel (Joel)
Head of Training
With an impressive 18-years journey in aviation, Capt. Joel brings unmatched depth in flight training and instructional leadership. Having overseen large-scale flight training operations with 50+ daily sorties, he has mentored and molded pilots from around the world. With 4500+ flying hours, including 1000+ hours on multi-engine aircraft, Capt. Joel has personally trained over 300 student pilots. A designated Flight Examiner by the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority for over a decade, he has conducted more than 250 skill tests for pilot licensing and ratings.
Capt. Joel is also certified to train and examine flight instructors — making him a true force behind the next generation of aviators. His precision, discipline, and global insight are core to shaping Zenith’s training excellence.
Capt. Balavinayagar Thanupriyan (Bala)
Chief Flight Instructor
With over 4500+ flying hours and a decade of experience training pilots in the Maldives, Bala is a cornerstone of flight instruction at Zenith. From PPL to Multi-Engine Instrument Rating, he has guided aspiring aviators at every stage — with many of his former students now flying as Captains and Senior First Officers across the industry. Known for his strong theoretical foundation, backed by a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Bala brings both precision and passion to the skies. He has trained students from across the globe and is also experienced in mentoring Flight Instructors, making him a leader among leaders.
With deep knowledge of Maldivian flight operations and prior roles as Flight Instructor, Deputy CFI, and Base Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor, Capt. Bala’s commitment to safety, skill, and academic excellence continues to elevate Zenith’s training standards.
Capt. A M C Lakshith Abeyawardhana (Lakshith)
Chief Theoretical Knowledge Instructor
A passionate educator with over 14 years of aviation training experience in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Lakshith is dedicated to building skilled, safety-focused aviators. With 3,900+ flying hours and over 6,000 hours of ground theory instruction, his teaching impact spans both military and civilian aviation sectors.
Formerly a Chief Flight Instructor and CTKI, Lakshith is well-versed in EASA ATPL subjects, academic content development, and leading instructor teams. His strength lies in balancing deep technical knowledge with effective mentorship — ensuring each cadet receives the academic foundation and mindset required to excel.
A Message from Our Leadership
Dear Students, Parents, and Zenith Community,
It is with great pride that I welcome you to Zenith Aviation Academy, where aspiration meets opportunity, and every takeoff is a step toward global success. At Zenith, we believe flight training is more than just logging hours-its about shaping skilled, responsible, and resilient aviators equipped for the journey ahead.
To Our Future Pilots:
Your journey with us will be defined by growth, challenge, and excellence. With round-the-clock flying availability, experienced instructors, and aircraft tailored for advanced training, we prepare you to graduate not just with a license, but with the mindset and confidence of a professional pilot.
Flying is not just a career-it is a calling and our mission is to ensure you are trained, supported, and ready for wherever your wings may take you.
To Our Community & Industry Partners:
We are committed to building long-term partnerships with airlines, regulators, and aviation stakeholders. Zenith is more than a training ground – It is a hub for collaboration, innovation, and career readiness. Together, we aim to set new standards in safety, transparency and talent development.
Our Promise to You:
Safety First:
Our programs meet the highest aviation safety and training standards.
Career-Focused:
MCAA-approved and globally aligned curriculum to prepare you for international roles.
Student-Centered:
Personalized mentorship from enrollment to graduation.
Warm Regards,
Ismail Rasheed (Imak)
Chief Operations Officer (COO)
Zenith Aviation Academy
As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to embrace the opportunities ahead-whether you are preparing for your first solo, supporting a cadet’s dream , or helping shape the aviation industry of tomorrow.
Thank you for choosing Zenith Aviation Academy — Where Excellence takes Off
Why Choose Zenith
Equatorial Flying:
24/7/365 uninterrupted flight hours with stable weather.
Flight Instructor:
Experienced flight instructors.
Cost Transparency:
No fuel surcharge, no surprise fee, fixed pricing.
Global Accessibility:
Easily reachable with affordable flights and simplified visa support.
Safety & Security:
Maldives offers a safe, peaceful setting with student-friendly living and a calm training environment.
