Villa Air’s FlyMe has announced that it will soon be starting seaplane operations commercially. The seaplane operations by Villa Air’s FlyMe will commence shortly after the completion of the new seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), according to a Facebook post by Villa Air. After the 800 million dollar project to expand the VIA, the new terminal will have 4 stories and can accommodate 80 docking platforms.
The Twin Otter 300 series planes, ordered by FlyMe for these operations will arrive by October 2019. Named Flying Yellowfin Tuna, the plane is to pay tribute to the abundant food source of the Maldives, the Yellowfin Tuna, as this is the source of inspiration for the plane’s yellow and blue color scheme.
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.
