Лидер оппозиции Вануату критикует назначение иностранного гендиректора авиакомпании

The Leader of the Opposition, Ishmael Kalsakau, said there are qualified Ni-Vanuatu citizens who can manage the Airports Vanuatu Limited (AVL). He made this comment following the recent appointment of an expatriate to the position of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). There are locals capable of managing the aviation company of Vanuatu and such an appointment is not encouraging for them, he stressed. Kalsakau said after 46 years of independence, it is now time to trust the locals. Reliable AVL sources said there are currently Ni-Vanuatu who can execute the CEO role but the AVL Board of Directors opted for an expatriate. The AVL Board has appointed Shalendra Maharaj to the position for a five-year term. Chairman of the Board, Jesse Benjamin said that Maharaj’s appointment followed a thorough, transparent and highly competitive recruitment and selection process. Maharaj brings extensive experience with Emirates, Fiji Airways, Qantas Airways and dnata, as well as regional airport management in Australia. He has extensive experience in airport operations, safety, regulatory compliance, financial management and infrastructure development makes him well suited to lead the company’s next phase of growth. He currently serves as Manager Aviation Services at Newman Airport, Marble Bar Airport and Nullagine Airport in Australia.His responsibilities include responding to regulatory audits and assessments, implementing corrective measures, managing operational risks and emergency preparedness, and ensuring compliance with aviation safety requirements. Maharaj holds an MBA (Graduate Certificate attained), a Diploma of Leadership Management from Emirates Aviation College, and qualifications in workplace assessment, workplace safety, and safety and security. He has also undertaken specialist training in flight planning, finance for non-finance managers and leadership management. AVL Board Chairman Benjamin said the Board has strong confidence in Mr. Maharaj’s ability to lead Airports Vanuatu Limited into its next phase of growth and development. "His extensive experience across airport and airline operations, combined with his leadership, financial and project management capabilities, provides a strong foundation for AVL to become an increasingly sustainable, efficient and profitable business,” he said. Maharaj will replace Jason Rakau, who has served as AVL CEO since 2016. The Board thanked Rakau for his decade of service and contribution to Vanuatu’s aviation sector. Maharaj will formally assume the role on October 1.