Privately-owned airline – Flyme recommences domestic flight operations today, 1st October 2020, after suspension of operations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The premier airline of the Maldives will take the skies once again today from Villa Airport Maamigilli.
Providing a distinctive and unique experience for travelers, Flyme is owned and operated by Villa Air. The airline envisions to go beyond what it has been practicing in the past as Flyme begins its journey once again today. Furthermore, today also marks as a special occasion for Flyme, as the airline celebrates the 9th year of its operations. Flyme has also commenced International operations, with an inaugural flight to Sri Lanka on 4th September 2020. Likewise, Villa Air announced to expand its operations into multiple international destinations as well.
Villa Air aims to bring on-board its employees back as the passenger traffic picks up progressively. It was a tough decision for the top management to make during the pandemic on the release of its employees. However, with the impact the pandemic had on the tourism industry, we foresaw no other option for the time being. We are working to bring back each and every employee back to Villa Air at the earliest opportunity. The airline further intends to revitalize the economy and aid the government in bringing international traffic to the country. Moreover, we are continuously working on improving our services to our customers and creating a positive environment for the employees in order to become the utmost reliable airline in the aviation industry.
Abdulla Nashid, Managing Director of Flyme said.
Flyme initiated operations in October 2011 with flights between Maamigili and Velana International Airport via two ATR 42-500 aircraft. Since then, the airline has been serving three destinations in the Maldives which include; Dharavandhoo in Baa Atoll, Villa Airport Maamigili in Alifu Dhaalu Atoll, and the main Velana International Airport in Capital Male’ Atoll. Additionally, Flyme currently boasts a fleet of four ATR aircraft consisting of one 72 seat ATR 72-600, two 68 seat ATR 72-500, and one 48 seat ATR 42-500. The airline uses its ATR 72-600 aircraft to serve the route between the Maldives and Sri Lanka as well.
VillaAir – a part of the Villa Group of companies manages the Villa Maamigili airport. The state-of-art airport features a passenger lounge that can cater up to 120 travelers. Likewise, its capacity has been increased by 200% compared to 2013. In addition to that, the Villa Group also manages five resorts in the Maldives under Villa Hotels.