Ministry of Finance has formulated a policy on using the newly built seaplane terminal, allocating a lounge space equal to the current rental space for both Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Manta Air.
According to the policy, TMA will be provided with around 5,300 square feet of lounge space for a period of two years at the same rental rate. The land space is equal to the plot it currently has at the airport.
The rental of the terminal is USD 10.35 per square metre per month. The newly built seaplane terminal has a 16,000 square feet space.
The ministry has also decided to allocate a lounge space for Manta Air for two years as well under the current rental rate. A lounge space will also be provided for the national flag carrier, Maldivian. The remaining space will be open for tender. The ministry said the operation will be taken over after the completion of the two-year rental period and the rental will also be revised following the term.
The decision was made after the Attorney General's Office counselled the ministry to formulate a policy and the decision has now been shared with the board of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL). The ministry said the policy looked to maximise profits to MACL, while supporting the work of current seaplane operators. The policy also looked to provide justice to operators who already had their own terminal spaces built.