Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has strengthened its operational capacity with the addition of its 66th aircraft to the seaplane fleet, reinforcing its ability to meet sustained demand for resort transfers driven by the continued growth of the Maldives’ tourism sector. The latest expansion enhances coverage across the atolls, where seaplane connectivity remains an essential element of the visitor journey, particularly for resorts located in remote island destinations. With tourism arrivals maintaining strong momentum and new properties entering the market, reliable and efficient air transfer services play a decisive role in shaping the overall guest experience.
Operating the world’s largest fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, TMA currently supports transfers to more than 80 resorts across 16 atolls, delivering hundreds of flights each day through a highly coordinated network. The airline’s fleet composition reflects the diverse needs of the resort sector, ranging from resort-branded aircraft that reinforce destination identity to VIP-configured planes designed for high-end clientele seeking a more personalized travel experience. This versatility enables TMA to serve luxury, premium, and high-volume resorts with tailored solutions, ensuring seamless connectivity from international gateways to island destinations.
Since commencing seaplane operations in the Maldives in 1993, Trans Maldivian Airways has established itself as a cornerstone of the country’s tourism infrastructure. Over more than three decades, the airline has evolved alongside the industry, expanding its fleet, enhancing operational systems, and developing a skilled workforce capable of sustaining large-scale daily operations in a challenging maritime aviation environment. The addition of the 66th aircraft reflects this long-term commitment to capacity development and service continuity.
TMA recorded its highest passenger volumes in 2025, underscoring the strength of the tourism rebound and the Maldives’ growing appeal as a global holiday destination. The expanded fleet provides greater flexibility in scheduling and maintenance planning, while also supporting increased flight frequencies during peak travel periods. This added resilience is particularly important as resorts continue to expand room inventories and new developments come online across multiple atolls.
Commenting on the aircraft’s arrival, Head of Corporate Strategy and Business Development Shubham Moondhara said the expansion follows a year of record demand and demonstrates the confidence placed in the airline by resort partners and the wider tourism industry. He noted that the company’s focus for 2026 will be on scaling operations responsibly while maintaining high standards of safety, punctuality, and service reliability across the network.
During 2025, Trans Maldivian Airways also received multiple international accolades, including being named Leading Tourist Transfer Provider (Air) at the SATA Awards and World’s Leading Seaplane Operator at the World Travel Awards for the tenth time. These recognitions highlight the airline’s consistent performance and its role in shaping global benchmarks for seaplane operations.
Looking ahead, TMA stated that its priorities remain centered on supporting the continued growth of Maldivian tourism through strong operational readiness, continuous workforce development, and sustained investment in fleet capability. As the Maldives positions itself for another year of high visitor arrivals, the expansion of TMA’s seaplane fleet underscores the importance of reliable air connectivity in sustaining the country’s reputation as a premier island destination for travelers worldwide.
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