Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has announced that the national airline, Maldivian, has conducted 124 flights since the commencement of the air ambulance service. It is facilitated by the government through the national airline.
The air ambulance service was inaugurated on March 1 in the Maldives, initially utilising a Dash-8 aircraft. Starting from April 15, the service has also been operationalised with a seaplane, specifically a DAWC-6 Twin Otter.
During a ceremony held at Velana International Airport (VIA) to commemorate the arrival of an additional ATR aircraft, Managing Director at IASL Ibrahim Iyas emphasised the significance of the air ambulance service for the populace. He also noted that over the past two months, there have been 124 flights, averaging two flights per day.
The air ambulance service marks a milestone in the Maldives as the first airborne patient transportation system. The government's planning is evident through the selection of two aircraft tailored for patient transport, ensuring readiness throughout the service duration. A dedicated team of 15 individuals, comprising doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians, has undergone specialised training to administer the air ambulance services effectively.