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TMA demands previously agreed terms in seaplane terminal award

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has stated it is demanding for previously agreed terms on the decision of Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to award the new seaplane terminal for local operators.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Accounts, senior officials from TMA said it has been continuing terminal development project alongside MACL since 2014. They said MACL has communicated terminal lease fees and space in various letters and emails sent to TMA.

TMA expects MACL to provide rates and space agreed previously. TMA said it has not signed an agreement with MACL on the fees and space. Although it has not signed an agreement with MACL, TMA said it expects MACL to honour formerly agreed terms.

Speaking at the parliament, officials said TMA had agreed for a lounge space of 13,000 square metres, adding TMA has shared lounge spaces with resorts, following discussions. TMA stated it will be able to generate a better profit than MACL by running the terminal. Chair of the Public Accounts Committee Mohamed Nashiz said other stakeholders will be summoned before a decision is made.

Ministry of Finance recently formulated a policy following disputes regarding awarding the new terminal. The new policy awards TMA a space equal to the current terminal it operates in Velana International Airport (VIA).

TMA currently operates a 5,300 square feet terminal. MACL plans to award the same space from the newly developed 16,000 square feet terminal. TMA is leasing the terminal for USD 10.35 per square metre.