TMA: 1st Airline in Asia to be endorsed by De Havilland Canada
Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), the World’s Largest Seaplane Operator, proudly accepts the certificate of endorsement from De Havilland Canada, the manufacturer of the Twin-Otter aircraft. The endorsement recognizes the airlines’ Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO)facility as a DHCE endorsed Service Center marking a historic milestone for the company. TMA is the first airline in Asia to receive this honor from De Havilland.
During the official endorsement ceremony held at TMA’s hangar at Velana International Airport on 5th May 2024, the esteemed certification was presented by De Havilland CEO, Mr. Brian Chafe to Trans Maldivian Airways CEO, Mr. A.U.M Fawzy. The event was graced by the presence of the owners of De Havilland, Mrs. Sherry Brydson and Mr. Robert McDonald, alongside senior management and representatives from both De Havilland and Trans Maldivian Airways.
TMA’s CEO Mr. Fawzy reflected on the company’s three-decade-long journey with the Twin Otter Aircraft during the ceremony, highlighting the intrinsic link between TMA’s success to the durability and versatility offered by the Twin Otter Aircraft. Mr. Fawzy also pledged TMA’s ongoing commitment to serving as the foremost brand ambassador for the Twin Otter aircraft globally, while extending his heartfelt gratitude to De Havilland for the support extended to TMA throughout the years.
Mr. Brian Chafe, CEO of DeHavilland Group expressed his admiration witnessing the sheer scale of the Twin Otter operations in the Maldives. He noted the impressive frequency of flights during peak hours, with take-offs and landings occurring nearly every minute, and having TMA complete 2 million flight cycles on Twin Otters, which is a feat that is unprecedented anywhere else in the world. Mrs. Sherry Brydson, & Mr. Robert McDonald, owners of DeHavilland echoed Mr. Chafe’s statement, expressing their astonishment at the seamless integration of Twin Otters into the Maldivian tourism industry and emphasizing their significant contribution. De Havilland Group reiterated their support for TMA and expressed eagerness for future collaboration opportunities, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter in aviation history.
Trans Maldivian Airways is home to the largest MRO facility for Twin Otter Aircraft globally, enabling the airline to conduct Major Maintenance within the Maldives. These services encompass a wide range of offerings, covering full aircraft re-life, full wing re-life, full aircraft re-wiring, avionics and cockpit upgrades, cabin modifications, refurbished interiors, and interior standardization. Moreover, TMA’s MRO facility also houses several in-house shops and workshops, ensuring quality and efficiency.
With over 30 years of experience servicing various models of the Twin Otter aircraft family, Trans Maldivian Airways boasts a dedicated team of over 300 highly qualified aircraft maintenance personnel. Notably, TMA takes pride in nurturing its local talent in the field of aircraft maintenance, with a majority of local technicians and engineers holding key positions within the company.
TMA revolutionized the Maldivian tourism industry in 1993 with the introduction of Twin-Otter seaplanes, and has evolved into the world’s leading seaplane operator, with an impressive fleet of 65 DHC-6 Twin-Otters. The introduction of seaplanes bridged significant transportation gaps in the country and has become an indispensable component of the Maldives experience.
TMA’s endorsement from De Havilland enhances the Maldives’ prominence in aircraft maintenance, garnering international acclaim for the nation, while further solidifying the airlines’ footprint as a preeminent global leader in the aviation industry. As Trans Maldivian Airways continues to push the boundaries of excellence in aviation, this accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in TMA’s illustrious journey, setting new standards for innovation, service, and collaboration in the aviation industry.
