Govt reopens bidding for exclusive nationwide helicopter service
According to the announcement, the successful bidder will receive exclusive rights for 10 years to operate a nationwide helicopter service.
The government has reopened the opportunity for companies to submit expressions of interest to operate helicopter services in the Maldives.
The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation issued a gazette notice on Wednesday inviting interested parties to apply.
According to the announcement, the successful bidder will receive exclusive rights for 10 years to operate a nationwide helicopter service. The service will provide emergency medical evacuations and search and rescue operations across all inhabited islands, in addition to commercial passenger services.
No other company will be permitted to operate helicopter services in the Maldives during the contract period.
The Ministry stated that the service is being introduced to:
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Support the tourism sector by enabling helicopter-based travel
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Provide emergency transport for patients in islands without airports
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Carry out search and rescue operations
The Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by the Ministry notes that the selected operator must provide 80 to 150 hours of free medical evacuation and search and rescue services each month and must remain prepared to respond to emergencies at all times.
The service is scheduled to begin on 15 November next year. Proposals may be submitted until 25 January, and the contract award is planned for 26 March.
The Cabinet approved the reintroduction of helicopter services in January last year. A previous call for proposals was later withdrawn.
Helicopters have been used in the Maldives in earlier periods, but operations were halted following fatal accidents. Two helicopters donated by India were later used for medical evacuations and search operations.
