Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) has revealed 73 percent of the new seaplane terminal project has been completed.
Ongoing works include facade installation, interior finishing, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fuel pipeline installation, according to MACL.
MACL said the new seaplane terminal will be completed by next December. The project was contracted to China's Beijing Urban Construction Group (BUCG) at a cost of USD 50 million. The new seaplane is developed by reclaiming 3.5 hectares from the lagoon in Hulhule'.
The completion of the 4-storey seaplane terminal will also see the development of state of the art equipment and facilities, including lounges, lobbies and restaurants. The project will also expand the seaplane dock space by 50 percent. MACL said upon completion, 85 seaplanes can be operated at the terminal.
The new seaplane terminal comes as a part of the 1 billion US dollar mega project to expand and upgrade Velana International Airport (VIA). The expansion comes in line with growing tourist arrivals and increasing tourist bed capacity due to the opening of new resorts in Maldives.
Seaplane is the preferred mode of transport between Velana International Airport and dozens of resorts, especially those located in outer atolls.
Maldives operate the largest seaplane hub in the world.