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Manta Air commences operations to Baa Atoll

Shahudha Mohamed
11 April 2019, MVT 18:29
The first air craft of Manta Air following its landing at Velana International airport. PHOTO: AHMED NISHAATH / MIHAARU
Shahudha Mohamed
11 April 2019, MVT 18:29

Manta Air officially began daily direct flights from Velana International Airport to Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll, on Thursday.

The inaugural flight to Maldives' only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve landed in Dharavandhoo domestic airport around 1215 hrs with 52 passengers.

Manta Air revealed that starting from March 11, the airline will operate two direct flights to Dharavandhoo per day. The company also plans to increase the number to three, following the second week of operations.

In celebration of starting a new route, the airline announced a special promotion fare of MVR 499 for adults and MVR 249 for children on a one way ticket. Additionally, Manta Air offers 'super saver' and 'saver' fares for those seeking low-price tickets, with the lowest fare for a one way ticket starting at MVR 549.

Moreover, the airline offers a 'Sapphire Class' for passengers carrying over 35 kg of luggage, with a more comfortable cabin setup.

Chief Marketing Officer of Manta Air, Ahmed Maumoon stated that the airline focuses on providing quality in-flight services, emphasizing their aim to ensure that customers thoroughly enjoy the experience.

"Our airline product is very unique. It's not just about getting from point A to point B", said Maumoon.

It is about the services provided during the journey, the gentleness of the crew, the [luggage] weight we allow to carry and the cabin we provide. We designed this product by taking into account all the difficulties customers face".

Adding that Manta Air took great pride in pre-planning flight schedules, he offered assurances that such forethought guaranteed flights would always be on time.

The airline first established operations at the end of February, with flights headed to Kudahuvadhoo, Dhaalu Atoll. Dharavandhoo marks the second destination of Manta Air's flights, following positive customer reviews.

Highlighting the airline's vision to expand further, Director of Flight Operations Hassan Haneef said, "We have plans to travel to destinations all over Maldives".

"The next destination, we hope, will be Thimarafushi".

He further revealed that destinations such as Gan, Kaadehdhoo and Hanimaadhoo are set to follow, once necessary permits are granted.

The airline also aims to unveil domestic sea-plane services in the near future. According to Haneef, plans to launch sea-plane services to Kudahuvadhoo are underway, and passengers may anticipate availability by the end of June.

Currently, Manta Air operates a small fleet of three ATR-72-600 airplanes, each with a capacity of 64 seats.

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