Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) and Qatar Airways has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on the provision of cargo services in MPL's sea-to-air transshipment services. The MoU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MPL Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim and the General Service Agent of Qatar Airways; Ace Travels Maldives' Managing Director Mohamed Firaq. Under the agreement, Qatar Airways will provide sea-to-air cargo transshipment services.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, MPL's CEO Wajeeh stated following the launch of the sea-to-air services in May, the Maldives has re-exported 25,191 clothing packages to various destinations across the globe, including Italy, Germany, Unites States of America (USA), Canada and Turkey. The first shipment was a garment shipment from Bangladesh. The CEO underlined the government's objective of expanding the economic activity of the nation and increasing the revenue. He revealed the sea-to-air transshipment services generated a revenue of USD20,000 within a month.
Meanwhile, Managing Director of Ace Travels Maldives Firaq stated he sees a bright future for the sea-to-air services. Highlighting that Qatar Airways operates its flights to various destinations worldwide, Firaq said that the airline had the capacity to carry 50 tonnes of goods.
Sea-to-air transshipment services were introduced with an aim to shorten the duration involved in shipping merchandise by sea and provide prompt assistance. This Hybrid Model, provided in collaboration with MACL and other international airlines, aims to meet demands within the commercial industry efficiently. MPL highlighted the key benefit of increased flights to various countries resulting from this service, typically offered by foreign countries to expedite the export process.