Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced yesterday that they are seeking parties interested in providing helicopter services in the Maldives.
Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation has announced yesterday that they are seeking parties interested in providing helicopter services in the Maldives.
In the announcement, the Ministry appealed for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to be submitted by those who are interested in offering helicopter services to broaden National Emergency Services, as well as for the tourism sector.
The announcement details the obligations that a helicopter service must fulfil:
- Provide air ambulance services via helicopter
- Assist in search and rescue operations across the country
- Commercial passenger services in the tourism field
Transport Ministry said that the appointed helicopter service provider would be granted exclusivity in providing passenger services via helicopter within tourism for a period of 10 years.
The announcement further said that the service provider must have prior experience in providing such services and be familiar with the vulnerability of the islands of Maldives.
It said that after the EOI submittal, the proposal submission phase will be commenced. They said that the proposal must align with the strategic targets outlined by the Ministry.
EOIs will be accepted by the ministry until August 19.
In a ceremony held in March in Noonu atoll Maafaru International Airport to inaugurate the use of military drones in Maldives' EEZ surveillance, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu announced that helicopter services will be introduced in the Maldives before the end of the year.
This year, the government has also commenced the National Air Ambulance Service, which uses a seaplane and a Dash 8 craft to conduct medical evacuations.
Last month, the government has also resumed flights of the Dornier aircraft and helicopters gifted by India, now with Indian civilians operating them instead of their military personnel.
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