5th July 2024 marked ten years since Maldivian Airlines, the national airline of the Maldives, began operating seaplanes, completely changing the way visitors view this island paradise. Maldivian’s seaplane fleet has expanded significantly from its modest beginnings with just two aircrafts, carrying tourists as they soar over the magnificent atolls and discover the amazing beauty of the Maldives.
On this occasion, Maldivian Airlines seaplanes’ crucial contribution to increasing tourism is commemorated as well as the development of the Maldives. A seaplane trip provides a singular viewpoint while soaring over pristine waters and picturesque atolls, and it has come to symbolize Maldivian vacations.
Based in Malé, the Maldives, Maldivian is the airline branch of Island Aviation Services. It is the Maldives’ flag carrier airline. In addition to providing inter-island services, it also runs international flights. Velana International Airport serves as its main base. Island Aviation Services Limited was founded on 23rd April 2009 by Presidential decree of the government of the Maldives. It is a limited liability business that is fully owned by the government. The airline operated solely domestic airports in the Maldives when it first started operations using three aircraft: a Dornier 228 and a Bombardier Dash 8 Q200. On 26th January 2008, the airline started operating regular international flights to Thiruvananthapuram, India. The airline branch of Island Aviation Services changed its name to Maldivian on 25th August 2008.
The Maldives are now even more accessible to visitors and residents alike thanks to Maldivian’s dedication to offering top-notch service and smooth connections between Velana International Airport and other destinations. Cheers to ten years of beautiful seaplane travels! Splendid Asia is excited to see what the next ten years bring for both the continuous expansion of tourism in the Maldives and its seaplane operations.
