New Maldives airline takes aim at rivals

Domestic airlines in the Maldives are not up to standard, said the COO of a new domestic carrier due to launch in October.

Reollo, a resort and construction company, is launching Manta Air with four seaplanes and three 72-seater ATR planes to destinations including Dhaalu Atoll, Raa Atoll, Baa Atoll and Thaa Atoll from the country’s main international airport.

State-run Maldivian and FlyMe, which is owned by tycoon and exiled opposition leader Gasim Ibrahim’s Villa Group, are the country’s two domestic carriers.

“We are launching this service because the current domestic airline is not up to standard,” said Reollo COO Mohamed Khaleel. “We want to offer better connectivity and better service (to our clients).”