Trans Maldivian Airways Strengthens Fleet With Arrival of 66th Aircraft

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, proudly announces the arrival of its 66th aircraft, marking another significant milestone in the airline’s journey of sustained growth, resilience and operational excellence. As the backbone of tourism infrastructure across the atolls, this latest addition strategically bolsters TMA’s capacity to meet the evolving needs of the archipelago’s travel industry. 

Since introducing seaplane operations to the Maldives in 1993, TMA has redefined how guests access and experience this island nation, delivering seamless connectivity to some of the world’s most remote and exclusive destinations. Today, TMA operates an industry-leading fleet of DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, including 13 resort-branded aircraft and two VIP-configured aircraft, connecting over 80 resorts across 16 atolls. Operating over 400 daily flights and completing millions of flight cycles annually, TMA maintains one of the highest-utilisation Twin Otter fleets globally, anchored by world-class safety and reliability. 

Through close collaboration with globally renowned hospitality brands and key aviation partners, TMA continues to enhance its service offerings and operational capabilities, delivering consistent service excellence across diverse resort transfer requirements and setting the global benchmark for seaplane operations. Whether offering guests their first glimpse of the Maldives‘ glistening turquoise waters from the air or a smooth arrival directly to the resort’s doorstep, TMA plays a defining role in shaping the quintessential island welcome. As passenger volumes continue to grow and new resorts emerge, the expansion of TMA’s fleet ensures operational resilience and flexibility essential to a world-class destination. 

Commenting on the arrival of the 66th aircraft, Shubham Moondhara, Head of Corporate Strategy & Business Development, stated, “The arrival of our 66th aircraft follows a truly exceptional year for Trans Maldivian Airways. In 2025, we achieved the highest passenger volumes in our history, a testament to both the enduring appeal of the Maldives as a tourist destination and the trust our partners place in us. This expansion allows us to operate with greater agility while upholding the gold standard of service excellence that defines TMA. As we move through 2026, our focus remains on scaling responsibly and ensuring every journey across the atolls is as memorable as the destination itself.” 

The year 2025 was a landmark period of growth and recognition for TMA, with the airline being honored on both regional and global stages. Most notable of these accolades include being named “Leading Tourist Transfer Provider (Air)” at the SATA Awards 2025 and “World’s Leading Seaplane Operator” at the World Travel Awards for the 10th year. 

Looking ahead, Trans Maldivian Airways remains dedicated to its customer-centric mission. Powered by a highly skilled workforce whose expertise remains central to the airline’s success, TMA is well positioned to support the future of Maldivian tourism and ensuring that Maldives remains the world’s premier island destination.