Via a Facebook post on their page Villa
Airs Flyme has announced plans to begin commercial seaplane operations.
In the aforementioned post, they mentioned
that they are planning to kick off the seaplane services to resorts after the completion
of the new seaplane base at the main Velana International Airport.
The USD 800 million mega project for the expansion
and upgrade the Maldives main gateway, will also include a new seaplane
terminal. The four-storey
terminal, which will be equipped with over 80 docking platforms and other
support facilities, is expected to come into operation in August.
Flyme is reportedly bringing in
four Twin Otter 300 series planes to begin seaplane operations. The planes are
expected to arrive in Maldives by October.
Dubbed the Flying
Yellowfin Tuna, Flymes seaplane livery is inspired by the yellowfin tuna found
in abundance in Maldivian waters. With a colour scheme that resembles the
yellow-coloured fins and finlets of the yellowfin tuna and the picture of a
yellowfin tuna painted from tail to nose in navy blue, the livery pays
homage to one of the most widely caught tuna species by Maldivian fishermen and
a staple of the traditional Maldivian meal times.
Flyme had earlier brought in a Cessna Caravan
C208 aircraft for seaplane operations but it was only used for charters as well
as sight-seeing and excursion trips.
Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport
between the main Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts,
especially those located in outer atolls.
Two airlines currently handle seaplane operations: flagship carrier Maldivian and privately run Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA). A third operator, Manta Air is set to begin service this year.
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