Can you brief us the journey of TMA?
Trans Maldivian Airways started its journey in 1989. TMA’ history consists of two very significant companies in the Maldives aviation history, one which started as Humming Bird Island Helicopters and the other being Maldivian Air Taxi. Humming Bird Island Helicopters started the first air transfers for tourists in the Maldives and Maldivian Air Taxi revolutionized the industry with the introduction of Twin-Otters in the Maldives. Since 2007, both companies focused on expanding Twin-Otter operations in the Maldives, when one of the largest private equity firms bought the two companies and merged them which then became the TMA that the world sees today. TMA started with 2 seaplanes and today has grown to a fleet of 65 aircraft. The journey has been remarkable for us.
How has TMA been an integral part of tourism development in the Maldives?
Maldives being a country consisting of over a thousand islands, connectivity was a huge challenge for the tourism industry which commenced in 1972 with the opening of the first resort in the Maldives. Even though the first resort paved the way for couple of more islands to be developed, the business owners were skeptical of the success due to the challenges they saw with the lack of infrastructure. However, in 1993, when the twin-otters surfed the Maldivian skies, each passing day became a testament for the potential for the future. The developments which were centered around Male’ in the 70’s and 80’s slowly moved to the untouched atolls of the Maldives and slowly TMA became the backbone of the Maldives tourism industry. TMA could be credited for helping tourism develop beyond the Male’ atoll in the Maldives.
You are carrying nearly as many passengers as arrive to the Maldives annually. What makes you the airline of choice for travelers?
As the most experienced airline for tourist transfers in the Maldives, with a history of 30 years in operation, TMA has always been an airline driven by the customer centric approach. Working with the topmost brands in the hospitality industry, it has always been a place for transfer solutions and customization of the product offering for every client’s need. With TMA, travelers can be assured that the start of their dream vacation in Maldives will be an experience of a lifetime with the best bird’s eye view of what is known as the heaven on earth.
What new technologies excite you and how important is it for an airline to invest in a digital transformation?
We at TMA truly believe in innovation. Discussions related to new technologies are always of interest. We have tried new technologies in the past, the introduction of Garmin 950 being one of the recent ones. As the world moves towards a digital era, we are equally invested in areas which can enhance our operations.
Does TMA have expansion plans in India in the near future?
We are always open to expansion provided we have the right business case. If the future presents such an opportunity, you may see us in India or any other part of the world.
How is the airline performing in 2023 and what is your strategy for the future?
Maldives as a destination has been growing, hence we are also growing. We are doing better every year, increasing our portfolio, and expanding within the Maldives. This year alone, we have started operations to two new atolls. TMA’s strategy will remain simple; to provide our clients with the most premium service with our years of experience and always giving our travelers an experience of a lifetime with the best bird’s eye view of the Maldives.
If there was one thing you could change about your airline or aviation in general, what would it be and why?
Lot of companies across the world are now working on research related to sustainable and green aviation technologies. The future is going to be a lot dependent on this research and we look forward to groundbreaking developments in this field.
