SriLankan Airlines is delighted to announce that it has entered into a partnership with Maldives’ private airline, Manta Air aiming at the development of Southern Maldives. The partnership will allow passengers to enjoy seamless travel with SriLankan Airlines’ via Velana International Airport, Male’ connecting to Manta Air’s domestic flights to Gan, Addu City.
The announcement was made this morning at a joint press conference presided by Mr.Mohamed Firaq, Managing Director of Inner Maldives Holidays, Ace Travels Maldives, and Ace Aviation Services Maldives – General Sales Agent for SriLankan Airlines in the Maldives along with Mr.Jayantha Abeysinghe, Regional Manager of SriLankan Airlines for Indian Ocean, Mr.Mohamed Khaleel, Chief Executive Officer of Manta Air, Mr.Ahmed Maumoon, Chief Marketing Officer of Manta Air and Mr.Gais Naseer, Managing Director of Addu International Airport.
“SriLankan Airlines first commenced its scheduled flights to Gan, Addu City on 1 December 2016, as the only international airline to fly to Gan International Airport with four flights per week. The flights came to a halt in March 2020 amidst the Covid-19 pandemic. However, we resumed operations with one weekly flight between Addu City and Colombo in December 2021 – giving travelers the convenience to connect to Europe, Middle-East, India, South East Asia & other key destinations with Codeshare partners via transit at Bandaranaike Airport, Colombo.” Jayantha Abeysinghe said. We also welcome discussions for any other airports expressing interest for SriLankan operations across other regions of the Maldives.” He further added.
“We thank Manta Air for accepting our proposal to enter this strategic partnership to support the development of Southern Maldives. Addu City is the population and transport hub of southern Maldives, and the logical destination for any investors looking to continue the success of the guesthouse sector.” Mohamed Firaq said.
“It has been quite some time since we have been discussing on and off, on how we could address this challenge, and finally today is that historic day for Southern Maldives. We are here to support the aviation industry in proving facilities and concessions to travel to Addu City.” Gais Naseer highlighted.
“We will be commencing Manta Air’s inaugural flight to Addu City tomorrow, with daily flights and we are extremely thrilled to be working alongside the government and stakeholders to showcase the full potential of beautiful Addu.” said Mohamed Khaleel.
SriLankan Airlines will be increasing frequency to GAN International Airport from 27th with two weekly flights. Tuesday & Saturday Flights to Colombo / Gan / Colombo will connect immediately for Manta Air Gan / Koodhdhoo / Gan Flight. This collaboration between Manta Air & SriLankan Airlines will be assisting Inbound and Outbound Tourists, Local Travelers & Expatriates to fly via GAN for a reduced price & more conveniently.
