Maldivian is undertaking a range of initiatives to expand its seaplane services and develop them into a successful, high-quality operation, according to the company’s Deputy Managing Director, Ali Saleem.
Seaplane operations are one of the company’s major sources of revenue.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with PSM News, Maldivian Deputy Managing Director Saleem said seaplane operations are an important part of the business conducted by Maldivian. He said the company has been operating seaplanes to transport tourists to resorts across the Maldives for many years. Maldivian currently has 11 aircraft in its seaplane fleet, Saleem said.
Saleem said Maldivian is undertaking a number of initiatives to expand its seaplane business. He noted that tourism is the Maldives’ largest economic industry and that supporting the sector is important both to the Maldivian economy and to the company’s business. Therefore, he said, the company is working to acquire additional seaplanes and launch Maldivian seaplane services to more destinations.
“We are currently upgrading the seaplane facility and redeveloping the existing terminal into a completely new seaplane terminal. We will be able to open it for our business partners and customers very soon. At the same time, we have started acquiring additional aircraft. We are also negotiating seaplane contracts with several major branded resorts. Therefore, in the future, Maldivian’s seaplane operation will develop into an airline providing highly successful and quality services,” Ali Saleem said.
In addition to resorts across the Maldives, Maldivian currently operates seaplane services to several islands. As part of its efforts to acquire additional aircraft, the company signed an agreement with Canadian aircraft manufacturer De Havilland on the 11th of this month.
Under the agreement, Maldivian will purchase two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. The aircraft are designed specifically for the Maldivian environment and feature modern avionics systems, as well as designs that make aircraft maintenance and servicing easier.