Mohamed Khalil, the man who turned a hotel headache into an airline empire, is charting the next phase of growth for his Maldives-based businesses.
Frustrated by the inefficiency of third-party transfers for his hotel guests, Khalil founded Manta Air six years ago. Today, the airline boasts a fleet of 23 aircraft and serves 23 resorts, a remarkable achievement considering the challenges posed by the pandemic.
“The Maldives’ seaplane industry was stuck in the past,” Khalil told TTN Middle East’s Publishing Director Kim Thomson in an interview. “Everyone said a fixed schedule was impossible, but we proved them wrong.”
Manta Air’s rapid expansion is a stark contrast to the more established players in the market. The airline’s success has been built on a foundation of efficiency and a focus on customer experience.
To further differentiate his business, Khalil has his sights set on Dhaalu Airport, to which Manta Air now operates direct flights from Bengaluru. He envisions the airport as a regional hub, capable of handling larger aircraft and reducing the congestion at Malé.
“The government’s push to expand tourism beyond Malé is a game-changer,” said Khalil. “We want to be at the forefront of that growth.”
Manta Air’s parent company, Pulse Hotels and Resorts, is also expanding its footprint. As the owner, Khalil informs TTN Middle East that three new properties are in the pipeline for the Maldives, including an ultra-luxury resort and a four-star hotel in Malé.
The company is particularly targeting the GCC market, which Khalil believes offers significant growth potential.
“We’re investing heavily in our presence in the GCC,” he said. “With strong airline connectivity and the allure of a Maldives escape, we see a huge opportunity there.”
Pulse Hotels & Resorts has appointed dnata Representation Services to expand its regional reach and expects an influx of tourists over the summer. Excellent connectivity and price options on Emirates, Etihad, Fly Dubai, Qatar Airways, Wizz Air and BeOnd Airline, put the GCC among the top five feeder markets for Maldives.
Khalil’s entrepreneurial spirit and ambitious vision have transformed Manta Air into a dominant force in the Maldives aviation industry. As the company continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of tourism in the archipelago.