MEGA Maldives Airlines plans rapid expansion as it starts to diversify outside China-Maldives market

MEGA Maldives Airlines is planning rapid fleet and network expansion as it converts its Male base into a hub and pursues potential joint venture partnerships in other markets. MEGA has pursued modest expansion since launching in early 2011 and currently operates only three scheduled routes from Male with a fleet of two 767s and one 757.

The first phase of its planned expansion will see four additional 757s and one additional 767 along with its first routes to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The second phase will see the possible launch of services to Australia and Europe using a second type of widebody aircraft. Meanwhile the carrier plans to start pursuing transit traffic and partnerships in other underserved leisure-focused markets, starting with Nepal.

MEGA has until now focused almost entirely on services between Maldives and Greater China. While MEGA is keen to expand further in the booming Maldives-China market it aims to exploit several other potentially lucrative niches.