The Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen on Wednesday said the government is geared up to launch commercial helicopter service in March 2025.
The ministry made announcement for interest parties to submit proposals to provide commercial helicopter service earlier on August 5, 2024.
Speaking to state-run Public Service Media (PSM), Ameen said the government is expected to sign with the helicopter operator in the next 10 days.
“By March next year, commercial helicopter services will commence in the Maldives,” he commented.
According to the minister, feasibility survey for the initiative was conducted under the instructions of British Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). He added the most secure helicopters will be used for the operation.
The minister also said that during the initial phase, general passenger transfers, medical airlifts and tourist transfers after regular cut-off hours will commence.
Earlier on August 21, the Regional Airports Company Limited (RACL) signed an agreement with Dubai-based Air Chateau DWC, a helicopter and vertiport operator; and Wings Capital Management from Abu Dhabi to launch and operate commercial helicopter services for 20 years.