World’s largest seaplane operator, Trans Maldivian Airways, reveals its aggressive expansion plans which will enable it to support the tourism infrastructure in the Maldives and help the island nation continue to be the leading tourism destination going forward as well.
TMA will induct 4 twin otter aircraft by the 3rd quarter of 2021. With this, TMA will have a fleet of 60 twin otter aircraft – further strengthening its position as the World’s largest Seaplane Operator.
Trans Maldivian Airways also plans to further expand by establishing wheel-based operations in the Maldives. TMA confirms the intent of introducing ATR aircraft to the existing fleet of twin-otters. While seaplanes will remain the best way to view the Maldives from the sky, they have to be operated during daylight hours. The wheel planes will supplement TMA’s transfer service and enable it to give a 24*7 transfer solution to all the resorts in the Maldives.
TMA will make Madivaru airport as its base and will also have the wheel plane hangar at that airport.
Trans Maldivian Airways has served the nation for over 30 years and currently operates over 150 flights, daily, serving more than 80 resorts in the Maldives. Over the years, TMA has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the tourism in Maldives grows beyond the Male’ atoll and it continues to serve as one of the most vital tourism stakeholders in the country.
Also read: Trans Maldivian Airways Assists Government to Relocate Orphans
TMA started in 1989 as a company operating a helicopter fleet under the name ‘Hummingbird Island Helicopters’. Then, the company later changed the name to Hummingbird Island Airways.
Following the addition of the first seaplane to the fleet in 1997, the transition to a seaplane-only fleet completed in 1999. A year later the name Trans Maldivian Airways came to be. Today, TMA represents as a synonym for connecting the Maldives islands.
Feature image by Trans Maldivian Airways
