Manta Air has announced the arrival on October 10 of the first two aircraft joining the game changing local airline’s seaplane fleet.
In a statement, Manta Air said two DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft will depart from Calgary, Canada Saturday morning, embarking on a 16,000km journey with seven stops en-route before arriving in Maldives on October 10.
Manta Air said three more DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft are scheduled to arrive later this month. The company expects to have 10 aircraft in its seaplane fleet by the end of the year, it added.
“This is another significant milestone in the young life of Manta Air. Our seaplanes are now on their way and very soon we hope to be offering our customers another amazing experience with the same exceptional service they have come to expect from our domestic operation,” Manta Air CEO Mohamed Khaleel was quoted in a statement, as saying.
Manta Air has been a game changer in the domestic aviation industry, removing the fears of flight uncertainty for passengers flying in the Maldives, and setting new standards in service excellence along the way with pre-published schedules and a tailored approach to provide an amazing experience to all passengers.
With its seaplane operations, Manta Air plans to follow the same standards it has set for its domestic operations by introducing a fixed operating schedule, with seats guaranteed the moment the booking is confirmed and removing the uncertainty for passengers travelling to their tropical destinations on seaplanes.
“We have designed our service specifically with customers in mind, to relieve pain points and make domestic travel enjoyable and effortless. Our aim is to give the best of Manta Air’s hospitality to each and every customer who will be joining us on-board whilst they enjoy a spectacular view across the blue,” Khaleel said.
Manta Air currently operates three ATR 72-600 aircraft to Dhaalu Airport, located on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, and Dharavandhoo Airport, located on the island of Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll, from the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport.
Manta Air’s planned venture into seaplane operations comes, as a new seaplane base at the main Velana International Airport near completion.
As part of an ongoing USD 800 million mega project to expand and upgrade the Maldives’ main gateway, construction of a new seaplane terminal kicked off in January 2018. The four-storey terminal, which will be equipped with over 80 docking platforms and other support facilities, is expected to come into operation by the end of the year.
Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between the main Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts, especially those located in outer atolls.