Maldives Sea-to-Air Cargo Service Ships 162 Tonnes to Seven Countries

The Maldives' newly established sea-to-air cargo service transported 162 tonnes of goods to seven different countries during its first full month of operation in May. Data released by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) confirms that the cargo, equivalent to 29 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), was dispatched via five major international carriers: Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Swiss International Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. The sea-to-air model functions as a hybrid logistics solution, bringing merchandise into the Maldives by sea before transferring it to aircraft for final delivery. This approach blends the cost-efficiency of maritime freight with the rapid transit speeds of air logistics, offering a competitive alternative to traditional shipping methods. Launched on May 15, 2024, the service is a strategic partnership between Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) and MPL. By leveraging the existing network of international airlines operating at Velana International Airport, the two entities have created a trade route that reduces transit times and lowers costs for exporters. Industry experts note that sea-to-air cargo is a proven global strategy used to expand market reach and optimize supply chains. Given the Maldives' current connectivity, the government intends to scale the operation by introducing more partner carriers and diversifying destination markets in the coming months.