Sea-to-air service expansion boosts economy

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Maldives Ports Limited (MPL) Mohamed Wajeeh Ibrahim has announced that the sea-to-air cargo service launched earlier this year is expanding rapidly, having already generated over USD 3 million for the Maldivian economy. The sea-to-air cargo service combines maritime and air transport, where goods are shipped by sea and then transported by air to various international destinations. This method, widely adopted globally, offers significant economic benefits. MPL introduced this service in March, with the first shipment dispatched in May. In a recent social media post, CEO Mohamed Wajeeh hailed the initiative as a remarkable success. He noted that the sea-to-air cargo service, launched during the first year of the current government, has already made a substantial economic impact. Since operations began, the service has facilitated the transportation of 210 containers, amounting to 1,008,000 kilograms of goods, to countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and several European nations. The service has also attracted participation from 11 airlines, with the majority of exports comprising garments produced in Bangladesh. Wajeeh highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, involving Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), and the Maldives Customs Service. He expressed optimism about the future growth of the industry, emphasising its potential to deliver lasting economic benefits to the Maldives.