Maldivian brings second seaplane

Maldivian’s second seaplane, a DHC-6 Twin Otter Aircraft, has arrived in the Maldives.

Maldivian’s Head of Administration Ali Nashaath told Sun Online that the they are now working to fix floats on the new plane.

“We will announce a launch date for seaplane service within the next two weeks,” Nashaath said.

He added that three additional seaplanes acquired by Maldivian will be delivered in September. Construction of floating jetties at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport (INIA) is now complete and Maldivian is making final preparation to launch seaplane services. The national carrier brought its first DHC6 Twin Otter in April.

Competition in the local seaplane market has been non-existent since the only two seaplane companies Maldivian Air Taxi (MAT) and Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) were acquired and merged by New York’s Blackstone Group. Seaplanes are the main mode of transportation between INIA and tourist resorts away from the central atoll.

Maldivian commenced efforts to provide seaplane service in October 2013.