MEGA Maldives Airlines has temporarily suspended commercial flight operations.
In a statement, MEGA Maldives said Monday that suspension of commercial flight operations from Tuesday was part of a complex restructuring and recapitalisation process that started late last year. Flight operations will continue with upgraded facilities and services as soon as the process is completed, it added.
According to MEGA Maldives, the restructuring and recapitalisation process would involve securing new investments, bringing changes to the ownership structure of the company, reviewing of its fleet strategy with a view to acquire newer and more suitable aircrafts, retraining of its flight crew and renovation of its facilities.
“We are well aware of our customer and tourism stakeholder expectations of us. The Board of Directors and executive team felt that it was necessary to focus on the restructuring and improving our product and service. We will look forward to returning to flying very soon with a renewed fleet that can service established, under-served and emerging markets,” CEO George Weinmann was quotes as saying in the statement.
MEGA Maldives said it has been closely coordinating with relevant government and regulatory authorities in the Maldives as well as its stakeholders in the tourism and aviation sectors. An overwhelming level of support has been received thus far, it added.
MEGA Maldives was established in 2010 with the intention of expanding direct air connectivity between Maldives and emerging market destinations. Since its establishment, it has carried over 1.1 million passengers and have flown to over 50 destinations world-wide, but has recently been embroiled in financial trouble especially after a sharp decline in its major market, China.