Meet Arfau, fondly known as Arukko among his peers, the dedicated Station Manager at Skytours Maldives since May 2021. With an impressive 17-year career in aviation, Arfau’s passion and commitment have been the driving force behind his leadership. His primary goal has always been to share his extensive knowledge and skills with his team, instilling in them the mindset that “no” is never an option. He firmly believes that dedication and attention to detail are key to delivering exceptional service to luxury passengers and crew.

Arfau’s journey in the aviation industry began purely out of passion, and since then, he has gained valuable experience working with renowned commercial airlines such as Singapore Airlines and Cathay Pacific. Drawing inspiration from his mentors and superiors, he has developed a strong foundation in ground handling operations. At Skytours, he has played a pivotal role in structuring the team by providing on-the-job training and ensuring adherence to Standard Operating Procedures.

One of Arfau’s significant achievements was taking major responsibility for the project to establish the Maafaru International Airport office space. Under his supervision, the project was successfully completed, ensuring that the facility met the highest standards of operational efficiency and luxury service expectations. His hands-on approach and strategic vision were instrumental in bringing this ambitious project to fruition.

As a leader, Arfau finds the greatest reward in witnessing his team’s growth, both individually and collectively. He takes pride in their ability to overcome challenges, particularly in maintaining seamless service for luxury clients despite unpredictable factors such as weather conditions. His proactive problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure make him a valuable asset to the team.

Arfau emphasizes the importance of striking a balance between work and personal life. While aviation demands long hours and dedication, he believes that taking breaks and enjoying personal time are crucial for sustained success and well-being. In his free time, he enjoys spending quality time with his family, managing his cafe business, and pursuing hobbies such as photography and fishing.

Looking ahead, Arfau envisions dedicating his time to his entrepreneurial ventures while continuing to contribute to the aviation industry. He believes that the general aviation sector in the Maldives holds immense potential for growth and hopes to see it receive greater recognition and investment.

His advice to aspiring aviation professionals is simple yet powerful: “If you have a passion for aviation, pursue it wholeheartedly. A good conversation with customers can make all the difference.” Under his leadership, Skytours continues to deliver top-tier service, ensuring a memorable experience for all clients.