The Maldives government has revealed that Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) will be allocated an area equivalent to the size the company is already using to run their lounges, from the new seaplane terminal being established at Velana International Airport (VIA).
While rumors that the government intends to hand over the operation of the seaplane terminal TMA has become louder, both the government and Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) that operates VIA have refuted the claims. ِAmid these allegations, the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) also conducted their own special audit into the project.
According to the audit report, an area of 5382 square meters can be given to TMA to operate their lounges currently in operation at VIA. The state will receive a revenue of US$ 33 million if the area is issued as such. However, if the whole terminal was issued to TMA as previously discussed, the state would receive a revenue of MVR 41 million.
The government on Wednesday announced the final arrangements made regarding the allocation of space at the seaplane terminal. In this regard, an area of 5383 square meters will be allocated to TMA for a period of two years at US$ 10.35 per square meter. The price will be revised to market rates after the completion of two years.
Commenting on the government's decision, the Finance Ministry on Wednesday released a statement that acknowledged that the seaplane terminal was being developed under a government guarantee. While the project is integral to port management, seaplane operators play a large role in sustaining the tourism industry of the Maldives, noted the statement. Therefore, it is necessary to develop the infrastructure required by seaplane operators and make it accessible to all operators, it further read.
In addition to TMA, the government will also be issuing an area equivalent to the size of their current operation and at its current rate to Manta Air for a period of two years. Maldivian will also be allocated adequate space, and all remaining space will be opened for tendering by MACL. MACL will take over the full operation of the seaplane terminal in two years.
The new four-storey seaplane terminal is spread over an area of 28,000 square feet. The seaplane terminal project is the largest project under the plan to develop the country's main airport.
