Airlines

The History and Success of Trans Maldivian Airways: From 1989 to the Present





The history of Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) dates back to 1989 when the company was first established. TMA was one of the first companies to offer seaplane services in the Maldives and has since become the largest seaplane operator in the world. The airline has grown to become the leading provider of air transportation to and from the hundreds of islands that make up the Maldives.

TMA operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, mostly consisting of De Havilland Canada DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes. The majority of their aircraft are equipped with floatation devices and have a maximum capacity of 19 passengers. TMA also operates a limited number of smaller, 8-seat Cessna Caravan seaplanes. The airline has an excellent safety record, with no major incidents or air crashes.

The first major milestone in TMA's history came in 1997 when the airline began chartering seaplanes for tourists visiting the Maldives. This marked the beginning of TMA's transformation into a global airline. Over the years, the company has continued to expand its operations and has become the preferred provider of air transportation for tourists visiting the Maldives.

In 2005, TMA became the first airline in the world to offer an online booking service, allowing customers to book their flights and manage their reservations from their computers. This was a major milestone for the airline, as it made their services much more accessible to customers.





In 2014, TMA made history once again when they became the first seaplane operator in the world to receive the International Standard for Business Aircraft Operations (IS-BAO) certification. This certification is awarded to operators who demonstrate a commitment to safety and quality in their operations.

In 2018, TMA became the first seaplane operator in the world to receive the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) certification. This certification is awarded to operators who meet the highest standards of safety, quality, and environmental sustainability.

The most recent milestone in the history of TMA came in 2020 when the airline was granted approval by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to provide seaplane services in the US. This marked the first time an international seaplane operator had been given approval to operate in the US.

TMA has come a long way since its founding in 1989. Through its commitment to safety, quality, and innovation, the airline has become the leading provider of seaplane services in the world. With the addition of US services and the continued commitment to safety and quality, the airline is well on its way to becoming a global leader in the aviation industry.