Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the world’s largest seaplane operator, continues to make waves as a global leader in aviation, securing two prestigious titles at the 31st Annual World Travel Awards 2024. Held in Portugal on 24th November, this year’s awards ceremony saw TMA recognized as the World’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024 and Indian Ocean’s Leading Seaplane Operator 2024, marking an impressive 10th consecutive win in the regional category.

Since its inception in 1993, Trans Maldivian Airways has redefined air travel in the Maldives, offering seamless connectivity and bespoke transfer solutions. Currently operating a fleet of 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters, including 13 resort-branded aircraft and 2 VIP-configured planes, TMA connects over 80 world-class resorts across 16 atolls with more than 400 daily flights. This operational excellence has played a pivotal role in supporting the Maldives’ reputation as the World’s Leading Destination, cementing TMA as an integral partner in the nation’s thriving tourism industry.

Reflecting on the achievement, Mr. A.U.M Fawzy, Chief Executive Officer at Trans Maldivian Airways stated: “We are deeply honored to have received the prestigious awards from World Travel Awards, marking a decade of excellence for TMA. It is incredibly gratifying to see our consistent services and commitment to excellence recognized on this global platform consecutively for the past ten years. Here at TMA, we constantly strive to innovate and elevate the standards of seaplane operations, ensuring that every flight is a memorable experience that exceeds expectations. Together with our partners, we remain committed to shaping the future of seamless connectivity and luxury travel in this island paradise.”

In addition to the wins at World Travel Awards, TMA achieved other notable achievements in 2024, including being named the Leading Tourist Transport Provider (Air) at the South Asian Travel Awards (SATA) and earning the title of Best Luxury Seaplane Lounge for Infinity by Trans Maldivian Airways at the Seven Stars Luxury Hospitality and Lifestyle Awards.

Another defining moment of 2024 was the recognition of TMA’s Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility as a DHC-Endorsed Service Center. As the first airline in South Asia to achieve this honor, TMA continues to set benchmarks for operational excellence in aviation.

As the Maldives anticipates record-breaking tourism growth, TMA continues to invest in expanding its fleet and services. Recently introducing two new resort-branded aircraft, TMA is well-positioned to meet the dynamic demands of the industry while maintaining its focus on personalized guest experiences.

As TMA celebrates this milestone year, the airline extends its gratitude to its resort partners, valued guests, and dedicated team. TMA remains steadfast in its mission to provide world-class service and seamless connectivity, ensuring every traveler experiences the magic of the Maldives from takeoff to touchdown.

 

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) and Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives have partnered to offer one lucky winner the chance to experience the ultimate Maldivian escape. This exclusive giveaway includes a lavish 3-night stay for two at the breathtaking Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives, with roundtrip seaplane transfers courtesy of the world’s largest seaplane operator, Trans Maldivian Airways.

The winner will enjoy a serene stay in a Sunrise Beach Villa on an all-inclusive meal plan, providing an unforgettable experience with turquoise waters, sandy beaches, and world-class amenities.

To participate, follow @barcelowhalelagoonmaldives and @transmaldivian on Instagram. Like the giveaway post, and tag a friend in the comments (each tag counts as an additional entry). For a bonus entry, share the post on your story and tag both accounts.

The giveaway closes on 11th December, and the winner will be announced on 15th December 2024 across Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives’ and Trans Maldivian Airways’ social media platforms.

This prize is valid for stays from May 1st to September 30th, 2025, excluding blackout dates. Terms and conditions apply.

The Barceló Whale Lagoon Maldives is a unique 5-star resort nestled in South Ari Atoll, offering tranquillity, comfort, and beach chic vibes. With its coral gardens and turquoise waters, it’s ideal for couples, families, and adventurers. The resort features 100 villas, three restaurants, Sea Salt, Aqua and Breeze, a snack bar, Magical and three bars, Breeze, Magical and Sea Salt with two large infinity pools. Barceló Hotel Group, awarded “World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 – World Travel Awards,” is the second largest chain in Spain and one of the 30 largest in the world in terms of number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, with more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries, marketed under four brands. Renowned for its commitment to excellence, Barceló Hotel Group offers diverse travel experiences that combine luxury and sustainability to provide memorable stays for every guest.

Trans Maldivian Airways boasts the largest seaplane fleet in the world, with 65 DHC-6 Twin Otters, and has been an integral part of the Maldives’ tourism infrastructure. For the last three decades, TMA has provided seamless, scenic transfers, allowing travelers to experience the beauty of the Maldives from the skies. Transferring over a million passengers annually, TMA serves as the exclusive seaplane partner to over 80 of the Maldives’ finest resort destinations, connecting more than a million passengers each year across 14 atolls. Whether it’s scheduled flights, private charters, or bespoke excursions, TMA’s services cater to the diverse needs of its travelers, making it the preferred choice for those seeking convenience and adventure.

On October 28, 2024, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) welcomed 40 students from Ghiyassudin International School for an immersive educational visit at its facilities in Velana International Airport. The visit offered the students an exclusive opportunity to experience firsthand the operations of the world’s largest seaplane operator.

During the tour of TMA’s facilities at the state-of-the-art Noovilu Seaplane Terminal, the students engaged in a series of informative sessions led by experienced professionals from key departments such as Business Development, Human Resources, Safety & Security, Quality & Compliance, Aircraft Maintenance, and Flight Operations. These discussions provided valuable insights into the core functions and operations of these departments, offering a deeper understanding of the aviation sector.

A highlight of the visit was a lively Q&A session, where the students had the chance to interact directly with TMA professionals. This interaction helped the students gain a better understanding of various career paths within aviation, the qualifications required for different roles, and potential opportunities for their future.

As part of its commitment to youth development, TMA regularly collaborates with schools across the Maldives to raise awareness about career prospects in the tourism and aviation sectors. Through these educational initiatives, TMA aims to inspire the next generation of Maldivians to pursue careers in these dynamic fields.

Trans Maldivian Airways remains dedicated to supporting future generations through meaningful engagement and educational programs, reinforcing its role as a key contributor to the Maldivian aviation and tourism industries.

As part of its continued commitment to fostering youth engagement and education, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) recently welcomed 24 students from Aminiyya School for an interactive educational visit, organized in collaboration with the Maldives Association of Tourism Industry (MATI) and the Ministry of Education. This initiative is part of the newly launched Discover Tourism: Exploring Career Pathways 2024 program, designed to inspire young Maldivians to explore diverse career opportunities within the tourism and hospitality industry.

The visit, which took place on 23rd September, provided the students with first-hand exposure to TMA’s world-renowned seaplane operations at the state-of-the-art Noovilu Seaplane Terminal. The students participated in a series of interactive sessions led by experienced team members from key departments, offering valuable insights into various roles within the company. From Business Development, Human Resources, Safety & Security, Quality & Compliance, Aircraft Maintenance Organization and Flight Operations, each session was crafted to highlight the importance of each department’s function within TMA’s daily operations.

The question-and-answer session that followed allowed students to engage directly with TMA professionals, deepening their understanding of job roles, required qualifications, and career pathways available in the aviation sector. Additionally, the students were given a guided tour of TMA’s facilities, including its Guest Lounges, Boarding Gates, and Seaplane Docks, providing them with invaluable insights into the daily workflow and a first-hand look into the daily operations of the World’s Largest Seaplane Operations.

This educational experience is part of TMA’s broader strategy to collaborate with schools across the Maldives, promoting a greater understanding of the tourism industry and aviation careers. Through these familiarization trips, TMA aims to ignite a passion in the youth for careers in aviation and tourism, emphasizing the endless opportunities available within these sectors.

The Discover Tourism: Exploring Career Pathways program, spearheaded by MATI, aims to raise awareness and increase interest among young Maldivians about the potential careers in the country’s thriving tourism sector. Through targeted educational sessions, the program seeks to provide students with the knowledge and inspiration to pursue fulfilling careers in tourism and aviation.

Trans Maldivian Airways, a proud partner of this initiative, remains dedicated to supporting the growth and development of future generations through meaningful engagement and education programs. TMA continues to stand at the forefront of providing career opportunities for young Maldivians, further reinforcing its position as a key player in the Maldives’ aviation and tourism landscape.

Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the World’s Largest Seaplane Operator, proudly accepts the certificate of endorsement from De Havilland Canada, the manufacturer of the Twin-Otter aircraft. The endorsement recognizes the airlines’ Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul  (MRO) facility as a DHC Endorsed Service Center, marking a historic milestone for the company. TMA is the first airline in the world to receive this honor from De Havilland and is the very first organization to be recognized in the South Asia Region.

During the official endorsement ceremony held at TMA’s hangar at Velana International Airport on 5th May 2024, the esteemed certification was presented by De Havilland CEO, Mr. Brian Chafe to Trans Maldivian Airways CEO, Mr. A.U.M Fawzy. The event was graced by the presence of the owners of De Havilland, Mrs. Sherry Brydson and Mr. Robert McDonald, alongside senior management and representatives from both De Havilland and Trans Maldivian Airways.

TMA’s CEO Mr. Fawzy reflected on the company’s three-decade-long journey with the Twin Otter Aircraft during the ceremony, highlighting the intrinsic link between TMA’s success to the durability and versatility offered by the Twin Otter Aircraft. Mr. Fawzy also pledged TMA’s ongoing commitment to serving as the foremost brand ambassador for the Twin Otter aircraft globally, while extending his heartfelt gratitude to De Havilland for the support extended to TMA throughout the years.

Mr. Brian Chafe, CEO of DeHavilland Group expressed his admiration witnessing the sheer scale of the Twin Otter operations in the Maldives. He noted the impressive frequency of flights during peak hours, with take-offs and landings occurring nearly every minute, and having TMA complete 2 million flight cycles on Twin Otters, which is a feat that is unprecedented anywhere else in the world. Mrs. Sherry Brydson, & Mr. Robert McDonald, owners of DeHavilland echoed Mr. Chafe’s statement, expressing their astonishment at the seamless integration of Twin Otters into the Maldivian tourism industry and emphasizing their significant contribution. De Havilland Group reiterated their support for TMA and expressed eagerness for future collaboration opportunities, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in aviation history.

Trans Maldivian Airways is home to the largest MRO facility for Twin Otter Aircraft globally, enabling the airline to conduct Major Maintenance within the Maldives. These services encompass a wide range of offerings, covering full aircraft re-life, full wing re-life, full aircraft re-wiring, avionics and cockpit upgrades, cabin modifications, refurbished interiors, and interior standardization. Moreover, TMA’s MRO facility also houses several in-house shops and workshops, ensuring quality and efficiency.

With over 30 years of experience servicing various models of the Twin Otter aircraft family, Trans Maldivian Airways boasts a dedicated team of over 300 highly qualified aircraft maintenance personnel. Notably, TMA takes pride in nurturing its local talent in the field of aircraft maintenance, with a majority of local technicians and engineers holding key positions within the company.

TMA revolutionized the Maldivian tourism industry in 1993 with the introduction of Twin-Otter seaplanes, and has evolved into the world’s leading seaplane operator, with an impressive fleet of 65 DHC-6 Twin-Otters. The introduction of seaplanes bridged significant transportation gaps in the  country and has become an indispensable component of the Maldives experience.

TMA’s endorsement from De Havilland enhances the Maldives’ prominence in aircraft maintenance, garnering international acclaim for the nation, while further solidifying the airlines’ footprint as a preeminent global leader in the aviation industry.  As Trans Maldivian Airways continues to push the boundaries of excellence in aviation, this accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in TMA’s illustrious journey, setting new standards for innovation, service, and collaboration in the aviation industry.