Statistics released by Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) showed that 633 tonnes of cargo were exported from the Maldives through the sea-to-air cargo service last month, marking an increase compared with the previous month.
According to statistics released by the MPL, 633 tonnes of cargo were shipped out of the Maldives via the sea-to-air cargo service in July. This represents an 88 per cent increase compared with the 335 tonnes exported through the same service in the previous month.
During July, cargo was transported from the Maldives to 10 countries using six airlines. In terms of container volume, the shipments amounted to 131 TEUs.
The six airlines that carried sea-to-air cargo during the month were Emirates, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Saudia, Swiss Air and Turkish Airlines.
July also marked the busiest month in the history of Velana International Airport for transhipment cargo exports. During the month, total transhipment cargo exceeded 2,000 tonnes for the first time. Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) stated that this was the first time in the airport's history that more than 2,000 tonnes of cargo had been handled in a single month.
The sea-to-air cargo service involves cargo arriving in the Maldives by sea before being transhipped and transported by air to destinations around the world. More than 17 airlines are now connected to the service, which is jointly provided by MACL and MPL.
The Government has stated that sea-to-air cargo is a service widely used in many countries and one that generates significant economic benefits. It added that, with the Maldives already served by a large number of international airlines, the country has considerable opportunities to further expand the service.