Manta Air on Thursday inaugurated its newest domestic route, treating passengers to the game-changing airline’s signature service as they travelled to the idyllic atoll of Gaafu Alif in the south.

Top officials from Manta Air, together with media and other invitees, travelled to the island of Kooddoo Thursday afternoon for a special cake-cutting ceremony at the Kooddoo Airport.

Mohamed Ali Janah, the local partner of the airport operator Pristine Islands Investment of Singapore, officiated the ceremony. He highlighted the impact Manta Air has had on the domestic aviation industry and assured his full support to the airline in further expanding its operations to Kooddoo Airport.

“This is my first experience with Manta Air, and I must say I’ve never seen such impeccable service on a domestic flight before,” Janah said.

Janah stressed that Gaafu Alif atoll is one of the most ideal destinations in the Maldives. More resorts are being developed in Gaafu Alif, with the total bed number in the atoll expected to increase to some 2,000 from 1,200 over the next three years, he added.

Manta Air, the five-star experience in the skies of the Maldives, will begin commercial flight operations to Kooddoo on December 1.

Manta Air will operate a twice daily service between the Maldives’ main Velana International Airport and Kooddoo Airport on a pre-published fixed schedule. This will provide customers with multiple connectivity options throughout the day and allow them to book their preferred flights well in advance of their travel dates.

“Our promise to all passengers flying to Kooddoo is that we will change your flying experience by making flying more enjoyable and effortless for everyone,” Mohamed Khaleel, CEO of Manta Air, told the attendees at Thursday’s ceremony.

Kooddoo Airport, located on the island of Kooddoo in Gaafu Alifu atoll, was initially opened on September 10, 2012. The airport was developed with a 1,200 metre runway by Bonvests Holdings Ltd, a leading property development company from Singapore.

The airport was upgraded in 2017. It now features a Code C runway measuring 1,800 metres in length, and is able to accommodate Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 aircrafts as well as all categories of private jets.

The airport serves several resorts in the region, including Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, located on the same island. Other resorts in the region include Pullman Maldives Maamutaa, The Residence Maldives, Amari Havodda Maldives and Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort.

Tickets to Kooddoo are now available for purchase online from Manta Air’s official website and through authorised passenger sales agents.

The arrival of Manta Air has been a game changer in the domestic aviation industry, removing the fears of flight uncertainty for passengers flying in the Maldives, and setting new standards in service excellence along the way with pre-published schedules and a tailored approach to provide an amazing experience to all passengers.

The airline currently utilises three brand new ATR 72-600 aircraft to operate domestic flights to Dhaalu Airport, located on the island of Kudahuvadhoo in Dhaalu atoll, and Dharavandhoo Airport, located on the island of Dharavandhoo in Baa atoll, from the Velana International Airport.

Manta Air had early this month launched the first scheduled seaplane service in the Maldives, bringing another revolutionary experience to the skies of Maldives.

The airline had brought in six DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft, with another four set to join its seaplane by year-end.