Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) and Addu International Airport Company (AIA) sign the agreement to conduct seaplane operations between Addu City and Huvadhu Atoll.
The agreement to launch seaplane operations between Addu and Huvadhu Atoll was signed during a special ceremony held in Addu City. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Economic Development Fayyaz Ismail and Minister of Tourism Dr. Abdulla Mausoom as well as parliamentarians and councillors representing constituencies of Addu City and Huvadhu Atoll.
The introduction of seaplane operations in Gan International Airport will connect the resorts in Huvadhu Atoll with Addu City. The seaplanes will be operated by the national airline, Maldivian.
Speaking at the ceremony held to sign the seaplane agreement, Tourism Minister Mausoom said the introduction of seaplane operations in Addu will be an additional boost towards the recovery of tourism and the aviation industry, which has been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, Economic Minister Fayyaz also expressed the importance of commencing seaplane operations in Addu, noting it is an important step towards decentralisation of the economy. He also noted development of Addu City as an economic hub is an important pledge of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
AIA had previously signed a seaplane agreement with Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) in November 2016. The operations began with one seaplane which had the capacity of carrying 15 passengers. However, the operations were subsequently suspended due to logistical difficulties.
AIA said the new agreement with IASL, which operates the national airline Maldivian, is being signed after the agreement with TMA was terminated upon discussions with the company.