Maldivian has carried more than 1.2 million passengers through its seaplane network to date, the airline’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Iyas, has said.

Speaking at the reopening of the airline’s upgraded seaplane terminal at Velana International Airport (VIA), Iyas said the renovation had doubled the terminal’s capacity and introduced modern facilities to improve passenger services.

The upgrade, which began last year, includes an expanded lounge, a children’s play area, facilities offering light refreshments and souvenirs, additional boarding gates, an outdoor seating area and a dedicated staff canteen. The terminal’s interior and exterior have also been modernised.

Iyas said Maldivian began seaplane operations in April 2014 with two aircraft, providing an important link between remote islands and resorts. The airline now operates 11 Twin Otter aircraft.

He added that Maldivian had ordered two new-generation Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft in August. The aircraft are expected to arrive in the Maldives and enter service next year.