Regional Airports (RACL), a government-owned company, has expressed interest in providing helicopter services in the Maldives.

RACL expressed interest in providing the service under a joint venture (JV) with two UAE companies, Air Chateau and Wings Capital Management.

The Transport Ministry opened Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the provision of helicopter services for emergency use and tourist transportation on August 6.

RACL Managing Director Ahmed Mubeen confirmed to Adhadhu that the EOI has been submitted under the announcement. However, he did not elaborate on the agreements with the UAE companies.

The deadline for submission of EOI ended on August 19. It is unclear whether any other companies have expressed interest.

According to the Transport Ministry's announcement, the government was seeking a company that would provide safe and efficient helicopter services despite the challenges which may arise in an island country like the Maldives.

The Cabinet approved the introduction of helicopter service and announced on January 28 that "it will begin very soon."

Later on March 15, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu stated that the service would be launched before the end of this year.