Velana International Airport (MLE) has welcomed Virgin Atlantic as the latest addition to its growing sea-to-air cargo transshipment operations. Virgin Atlantic’s inaugural cargo shipment from the Maldives to the United States represents a milestone, making it the 12th airline to join this innovative logistics network.
The sea-to-air cargo service, launched just eight months ago, has already handled over 1,000 tonnes of goods, highlighting its vital role in global trade. In a statement, the airport celebrated Virgin Atlantic’s entry as a transformative development for the initiative, which integrates sea and air freight to provide businesses with a cost-effective and efficient logistics solution.
This collaborative effort involves Maldives Ports Limited (MPL), Maldives State Shipping (MSS), Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and an extensive network of international airlines. Goods arrive in the Maldives via sea and are then airfreighted to destinations worldwide. Virgin Atlantic joins leading carriers such as Qatar Airways, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Aeroflot, Gulf Air, Neos Airlines, and Etihad Airways, further strengthening the service’s global reach.
The hybrid cargo model has made a significant economic impact, generating over USD 3 million and facilitating the transport of more than one million kilograms of goods in 210 containers. Key exports, such as Bangladeshi apparel, are efficiently routed to major markets in the US, UK, and Europe, enhancing trade connectivity and showcasing the Maldives as a strategic logistics hub.
