Maldives Port Limited (MPL) has revealed that the number of airlines collaborating in its Sea-to-Air Cargo Transshipment services has increased to seven.
The Sea-to-Air cargo service facilitates the transport of goods to the Maldives by sea, which are then delivered to various global destinations by air. The service is a joint effort between MPL, Maldives State Shipping (MSS), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and international airlines. The first shipment for the service, introduced by MPL in March, was completed in May. The first cargo was a shipment of garments from Bangladesh that arrived in the Maldives by sea and was then flown to Germany via Turkish Airlines.
The Sea-to-Air service offers a quicker alternative for transporting goods from exporting countries to select destinations. One of the key advantages for the Maldives is the abundance of flights to numerous countries, particularly across Europe. The goods are primarily from Bangladesh and are typically shipped by sea and then airlifted to their final destinations.
MPL said that the number of airlines involved continues to increase, as the service gains popularity. The company has confirmed that seven airlines are now part of the initiative. These include Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Gulf Air, Neos Airlines, and Etihad Airways. The hybrid Sea-to-Air model provides an efficient and fast method for moving goods, catering to the needs of businesses and industries in the region. It also enhances the speed and reliability of freight services.