TMA launches seaplane operations in Gan Airport

Trans Maldivian Airlines (TMA) has marked the end of the work on building a seaplane base in Gan International Airport, and officially launched its operations.

Local company, TMA operates the largest seaplane fleet in the world with its 45 or so aircrafts.

Gan International Airport’s seaplane base’s operations were officially launched last Monday, during the World Travel Market being held in London, UK, by Chairman of TMA - Richard Saldanha, and Maldivian ambassador to UK – Ahmed Shiyaan.

TMA was contracted to build the seaplane base in Gan in August.

General Manager of Addu International Airport Company (AIA), Ibthishama Ahmed Saeed reported to “Sun” on Tuesday that seaplane operations would start once it received its aerodrome certification.

Ibthishama said they expected to receive the aerodrome certification in mid-November, and would start seaplane operations in either end of November or start of December.

The seaplane base in Gan International Airport puts the very south of the country within the seaplane network, boosting the travel and tourism industry in the south of the country.

It’s also expected to encourage international flights to the part of the country.