The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced a call for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from parties interested in providing helicopter services in the Maldives. This initiative aims to enhance National Emergency Services and support the tourism sector.
According to the announcement, the Ministry is seeking helicopter service providers to fulfil several key obligations:
• Providing air ambulance services
• Assisting in search and rescue operations across the country
• Offering commercial passenger services within the tourism industry
The selected helicopter service provider will be granted exclusivity for providing passenger services in the tourism sector for a period of 10 years. The Ministry emphasised that interested parties must have prior experience in offering helicopter services and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by the islands of the Maldives.
Following the submission of EOIs, the proposal submission phase will commence. The proposals must align with the strategic targets outlined by the Ministry. EOIs will be accepted until 19th August.
In a ceremony held in March at Noonu Atoll’s Maafaru International Airport, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced the introduction of helicopter services in the Maldives before the end of the year. This event also marked the inauguration of military drones for surveillance within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
This year, the government has launched the National Air Ambulance Service, utilising a seaplane and a Dash 8 aircraft for medical evacuations. Additionally, the government resumed flights of the Dornier aircraft and helicopters gifted by India, now operated by Indian civilians instead of military personnel.
The Ministry’s initiative to introduce helicopter services is expected to significantly bolster emergency response capabilities and enhance the tourism experience, reflecting the government’s commitment to advancing both public safety and economic development in the Maldives.
