Written by Mohamed Iyad Masood

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) has increased the number of operational aircraft to 60, marking a significant milestone for the company.

The De Havilland DHC-6 Twin Otter arrived at Velana International Airport on November 16, 2022, after departing from Canada.

TMA, the largest seaplane operator in the world, anticipates expanding its services to a million passengers by the end of this year thanks to the expansion of its fleet.

TMA moved earlier this year to the Noovilu Seaplane Terminal after thirty years of operating seaplanes from its own base. The expansion of TMA's operations required the construction of a new terminal, which can accommodate twice as many seaplanes as the former TMA base.

A guest stands next to a TMA aircraft.

TMA pioneered point-to-point connection in the Maldives from the start of seaplane service in 1993, which has provided the tourism sector with the assurance to grow to the outer atolls.

TMA was honoured by the Maldives government for its outstanding contributions to the company and received the President's Tourism Gold Award at the Gala hosted to commemorate the Golden Year of Tourism in the Maldives, recognizing the industry's growth over the previous 50 years. Additionally, TMA's CEO A.U.M. Fawzy was honoured with the Appreciation Award by the Ministry of Tourism for his achievements to the Maldivian tourism industry during the 50 Years of Tourism Appreciation Reception by His Excellency Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

A Trans Maldivian Airways seaplane at Siyam World -- (Photo/Sun Siyam)

For its achievements this year, TMA has also won other awards, including "Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air)" at the South Asian Travel Awards and "Seaplane Company - Regional Winner" at the World Luxury Awards 2022. At the World Travel Awards 2022, TMA was also named "Indian Ocean's Leading Seaplane Operator" for the ninth consecutive year and "World's Leading Seaplane Operator" for the eighth time. For its achievements this year, TMA has also won other awards, including "Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air)" at the South Asian Travel Awards and "Seaplane Company - Regional Winner" at the World Luxury Awards 2022.