The Maldives: a paradise of untouched archipelagos, and it's all thanks to a handful of visionaries. Their passion and daring turned remote beauty into a luxury accessible to travelers worldwide.
The Pioneering Spirit:
In 1966, the first commercial landing at the Maldivian airport in Male marked the start of a thrilling journey. Initially, adventurous travelers explored islands near Male, but the allure of the untouched Maldivian beauty soon drew more.
A Game-Changer:
In 1991, while traveling to Kuredu, Lars Erik Nielsen saw an opportunity. With a love for seaplanes and Scandinavian entrepreneurship, he founded Maldivian Air Taxi to provide faster and more convenient travel.
The Birth of Trans Maldivian Airways:
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) is the trailblazer in Maldivian aviation. Starting as Hummingbird Island Helicopters in 1989, it evolved into Hummingbird Island Airways in 1997 with the addition of seaplanes. In 1999, TMA became a seaplane-only fleet, and in 2000, it became Trans Maldivian Airways, connecting the Maldivian islands.
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A Legacy of Excellence:
With around 400,000 passengers annually and new resorts sprouting, TMA has become a global tourism trendsetter. In 2013, TMA and Maldivian Air Taxi partnered with Blackstone, propelling the industry to new heights.
A New Era:
Under the name Trans Maldivian Airways, TMA and Maldivian Air Taxi merged their efforts, with the founders and majority shareholders playing a crucial role in this new chapter.
Impressive Statistics:
Together, the airlines operate 46 seaplanes, making them the world's largest Twin Otter operator on land or sea, with over 100,000 flights yearly. They employ around 1000 people and serve over 60 resorts, safari boats, and liveaboards, carrying close to a million passengers annually.
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Key Facts:
- TMA has been transferring nearly a million passengers each year since the merger.
- Their fleet includes 46 Twin Otter Aircraft on floats, including the new DHC-6-400 series.
- TMA has over 1000 staff, with 50% being Maldivian pilots.
- They have over 23 dedicated resort lounges, servicing over 60 resort islands.
- TMA has won numerous awards and played a significant role in Maldives' tourism growth.
- This remarkable journey from humble beginnings to global excellence is a testament to the enduring legacy of Trans Maldivian Airways.