Maldivian Expands Seaplane Fleet and Terminal to Boost Tourism Logistics

Maldivian, the national airline, is launching a strategic expansion of its seaplane operations to enhance service quality and increase capacity across the archipelago. The initiative includes fleet expansion, infrastructure redevelopment, and new partnerships with luxury resorts. Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem revealed in an exclusive interview with PSM News that seaplane services remain a critical revenue driver for the company. With a current fleet of 11 aircraft transporting tourists to resorts nationwide, the airline is now moving to scale its operations to better support the Maldives' primary economic engine: tourism. Central to this growth is a comprehensive overhaul of ground operations. The company is currently redeveloping its existing seaplane terminal into a modern facility designed to improve the experience for both business partners and passengers. This new terminal is expected to open for public use in the near future. To support this infrastructure, Maldivian is aggressively expanding its fleet. On the 11th of this month, the company signed a procurement agreement with Canadian manufacturer De Havilland for two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft. These planes are specifically engineered for the unique Maldivian environment, featuring advanced avionics and a design that streamlines maintenance and servicing. Beyond fleet growth, the airline is actively negotiating new service contracts with several major branded resorts to broaden its destination network. While Maldivian already provides essential transport to various inhabited islands, these new partnerships aim to solidify the carrier's position as a high-quality provider of luxury tourist transfers. According to Saleem, these combined investments in aircraft and infrastructure are designed to transform Maldivian's seaplane division into a world-class operation, ensuring the airline can meet the rising demands of the tourism sector while maintaining operational excellence.