Govt issues new invite for proposals for long-delayed helicopter service

The project to launch helicopter services in the Maldives reopened for bids on Wednesday, after amendments to the original terms.

In August 2024, the Transport Ministry invited bids from parties interested in providing commercial helicopter services in the Maldives. And in a TV interview in November, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen said the service would launch by March.

It is now nine months past this deadline.

The Transport Ministry issued a new notice on Wednesday, inviting interested parties to submit proposals for establishing and operating helicopter services, with a primary focus on providing efficient commercial passenger transportation for tourists, emergency medical evacuation and search and rescue operations across the country.

According to the announcement, the Transport Ministry will be entering an exclusive 10-year agreement with the winning bidder, granting them sole rights to conduct commercial helicopter passenger operations in the Maldives.

As part of this arrangement, the operator will also be required to support government requirements for emergency medical services and search and rescue operations.

The Transport Ministry said they are seeking experienced operators capable of delivering high-quality helicopter services tailored to the unique challenges of the Maldives.

The proposals can be sent via email to [email protected].

The deadline for submission of proposals is 02:00 pm on January 25.

At a Parliament session in October, Ameen said that the original tender announcement in August had attracted proposals from around 36 companies. But they had complained that the terms were too unfavorable, specifically the stipulation that they provide search and rescue and medical evacuations for free.

He said that the Transport Ministry could be amending the original terms and reopening the project for bids.

He also said the government would work to have the service launched within one year.