Manta Air
Manta Air is a privately held Maldivian airline operating since 2019 that runs domestic scheduled ATR 72-600 services and DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane transfers for tourists and resort groups across more than 35 resorts and six atolls.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2018
- HeadquartersMale, Maldives
- Headcount501–1,000
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Manta Air does
Manta Air (Manta Aviation Private Limited) is a privately held Maldivian airline headquartered in Malé that has operated since February 2019. The carrier provides domestic scheduled passenger services using ATR 72-600 fixed-wing aircraft and seaplane transfers using DHC-6 Twin Otter floatplanes, primarily serving inter-atoll connectivity and tourist transfers between Malé's Velana International Airport and resorts across more than 35 properties spanning six atolls. Its core customer base is split between B2B contracts with resort groups (including exclusive transfer partnerships with chains such as Crown & Champa Resorts) and direct-to-consumer leisure travelers, including a growing share of inbound Indian tourists served via a direct Bengaluru–Dhaalu route launched in January 2024.
The airline operates a fleet of 21 aircraft and employs between 501 and 1,000 staff. Its underlying operations combine turboprop scheduled service for trunk domestic routes and floatplane operations for resort-to-resort and last-mile transfers, a technical configuration that requires specialized seaplane bases, water runway access, and ground-handling infrastructure distinct from conventional jet operations. Manta Air also operates scheduled seaplane services, a relatively differentiated capability in the Maldivian market.
The business model is built on per-seat and per-flight transfer pricing for tourist transportation, supplemented by charter and group transfer contracts with resorts. Revenue is generated predominantly through ticket sales for resort-bound travelers and contractual arrangements with hotel groups. In addition to passenger services, Manta Air secured a D1 Rating from the Maldives Civil Aviation Authority in January 2026 for Non-Destructive Testing, positioning the company to offer MRO/NDT services to third-party operators as a secondary revenue line. The company is privately held and has not disclosed funding rounds or detailed financials.
Manta Air firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Manta Air
- Legal name
- Manta Aviation Private Limited
- Website
- https://mantaair.mv
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2018
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 501–1,000 employees
- Short description
- Manta Air is a privately held Maldivian airline operating since 2019 that runs domestic scheduled ATR 72-600 services and DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane transfers for tourists and resort groups across more than 35 resorts and six atolls.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Manta Air industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Domestic Airline Services
- NAICS
- Scheduled Air Transportation (48111), Nonscheduled Air Transportation (48121), Air Transportation (481)
- SIC
- Air Transportation, Scheduled (4512), Air Transportation, Nonscheduled (4522), Aircraft & Parts (3720)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seaplane & Amphibious Air Taxi (TLAFABAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Turboprop Regional Airlines (THABACAJ), Private Aviation Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul (MRO) (THABAFAI)
Keywords
Where Manta Air is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Male
- HQ country
- Maldives
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices3 records
Markets served
Manta Air business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Scheduled Flight Tickets: Revenue from pre-published scheduled domestic flights between Velana International Airport and regional airports (Dhaalu, Dharavandhoo, Kooddoo, Gan) on ATR aircraft.
- Seaplane Transfer Services: Revenue from scheduled and charter seaplane transfers connecting guests to resorts across Maldives atolls, including exclusive resort partnership arrangements.
- International Charter Flights: Revenue from international direct flights from Bengaluru, India to Dhaalu Airport, operating three weekly flights.
- MRO/NDT Services: Revenue from providing certified NDT inspection services to other airlines and aviation organizations in the Maldives, enabled by D1 rating certification.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Comfort Super Saver - Most restricted fare with lowest price |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Comfort Saver - Mid-tier fare with moderate flexibility |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Comfort Flex - Flexible fare with unlimited date changes |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Sapphire Saver and Sapphire Flex - Premium cabin class fares |
| Subscription | Pay-as-you-go | Tourist Fares - USD-denominated fares for international visitors |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Baggage Add-Ons |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels6 records
Manta Air product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Manta Air operates scheduled and charter aviation services in the Maldives using ATR 72-600 turboprops for domestic routes between Male' and regional airports, and DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes for inter-atoll and luxury resort transfers. The airline also provides direct international flights from India (Bengaluru) and certified D1-rated aircraft MRO/NDT inspection services for third-party operators.
Product overview
Manta Air is a Maldivian airline operating as a single unified service offering domestic flights and seaplane transfers across the Maldives. The core product portfolio consists of ATR72-600 turboprop domestic flights connecting Male' with Dharavandhoo, Dhaalu, Kooddoo, and Addu City; plus DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplane operations serving resort transfers across multiple atolls. Supporting services include two airport lounges (Sapphire First Class Lounge and Comfort Business Lounge), baggage add-on purchases, multiple fare classes, an online booking platform, and a network of passenger sales agents. The company also operates an MRO facility offering certified NDT inspection services.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- ATR72-600 Domestic Flights Scheduled domestic flights operated with ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft connecting Velana International Airport (Male') with Dharavandhoo, Dhaalu (Kudahuvadhoo), Kooddoo, and Addu City (Gan) airports. Features two cabin classes: Comfort (32" legroom) and Sapphire (36" legroom).
- DHC-6 Twin Otter Seaplane Operations Scheduled and charter seaplane transfers to resort destinations across the Maldives using DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes equipped with Garmin G950 NXi integrated flight deck avionics and weather radar. Maldives' first premium scheduled seaplane service with pre-assigned seating.
- International Charter Flights from India Direct international charter flights from Bengaluru, India to Dhaalu Airport, Maldives, operating three weekly flights to provide direct access to Maldivian resorts without transiting through Male' hub.
- MRO and NDT Services Certified D1-rated Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) services for aircraft structures and components, offered to third-party airlines and aviation operators in the Maldives. Includes structural repairs, livery painting, EMMA checks, CPCP execution, and battery servicing at the MRO facility in Dhaalu Kudahuvadhoo.
Quantifiable outcome
- 100% of flights depart on time as per published schedule
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Manta Air
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Manta Air technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
Manta Air partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Crown & Champa ResortscoreExclusive domestic transfer partnership starting December 17, 2024. Manta Air operates scheduled flights to Madivaru Airport using ATR 72-600 aircraft for transfer of Crown & Champa Resorts guests to Kuredu Island Resort & Spa, Komandoo Island Resort & Spa, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Hurawalhi Island Resort, and Jawakara Islands Maldives in Lhaviyani Atoll.
- Kaani Hotels and ResortscoreExclusive partnership for seaplane transfers to guesthouses in North Ari Atoll. Seaplane operations to commence to Kaani Haven Beach upon hotel opening in Q3 2025. Partnership marks new era for guesthouses providing seamless worry-free transfers.
- Dhigufaru Island ResortcoreExclusive seaplane transfer partnership delivering seamless luxurious transfers for guests. Both scheduled and charter seaplane transfers offered with breathtaking views of Maldivian atolls.
- Nika Island Resort & SpacoreExclusive seaplane transfer partnership delivering seamless luxurious transfers for guests. Both scheduled and charter seaplane transfers offered with breathtaking views of Maldivian atolls.
- Soneva FushiminorJoint conduct of first ever full-scale emergency response exercise at water aerodrome in Maldives near Soneva Fushi. Exercise tested emergency response coordination between Manta Air, Soneva Fushi, Baa Atoll Hospital, and Maldives Police Service.
- Visit Maldives (MMPRC)coreCollaborative roadshow partnership for Explore Maldives events in Bengaluru, India. Manta Air participates alongside resort partners to promote Maldives as premier travel destination and showcase direct flight connectivity from India.
- UNICEF MaldivesminorPartnership for skills development for Maldivian youth in aviation industry. Includes company-wide internship program with 12 interns in first year, covering flight operations, ground operations, aircraft engineering, safety/compliance, commercial and marketing disciplines.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves12 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Manta Air competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Bangkok Airways: Bangkok Airways is a regional full-service airline operating scheduled domestic and international flights in Southeast Asia, with a focus on resort destinations (e.g., Koh Samui, Maldives codeshares). It is comparable as a regional turboprop/regional jet operator connecting tourists to resort markets, though at significantly larger scale.
- Air Seychelles: Air Seychelles is the national carrier of Seychelles, operating scheduled regional and domestic flights including inter-island services. It is comparable to Manta Air as a small-island national airline serving a tourism-dependent economy with both domestic connectivity and international routes.
Others
- Signature Flight Support: Signature Flight Support is a global aviation services company providing MRO, FBO, and ground handling services at airports worldwide. It is comparable to Manta Air's MRO/NDT business as an aviation services provider offering third-party aircraft maintenance and support services.
Direct peers
- Trans Maldivian Airways: Trans Maldivian Airways is the dominant seaplane operator in the Maldives, providing scheduled and charter seaplane transfers between Velana International Airport and resort destinations across the atolls. It is the most directly comparable competitor to Manta Air in seaplane resort transfers, with a larger fleet and longer-established resort partnerships.
- Winair (Windward Islands Airways): Winair operates inter-island scheduled and charter flights in the Caribbean using DHC-6 Twin Otter and other turboprop aircraft, serving tourism destinations across the Leeward Islands. It is comparable to Manta Air as a small turboprop island-hopping regional airline serving resort/tourism traffic.
- Villa Airways (Flyme): Villa Airways operates domestic scheduled flights in the Maldives using ATR 72-600 aircraft, serving Velana International Airport and various atoll airports. It is a direct peer in Maldivian domestic turboprop regional airline services, overlapping with Manta Air's ATR-based domestic routes.
- Kenmore Air Express: Kenmore Air operates scheduled and charter seaplane services in the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Western Canada, focusing on tourism and commuter transport. It is comparable to Manta Air as a seaplane operator with both scheduled resort/tourism transfers and charter capabilities.
- Maldivian (Island Aviation): Maldivian is the national carrier of the Maldives operating domestic scheduled flights and seaplane services across the country with a mixed fleet. It competes directly with Manta Air in both ATR-style domestic connectivity and seaplane resort transfer operations throughout the Maldives.
- Harbour Air Seaplanes: Harbour Air is North America's largest seaplane operator, providing scheduled and charter seaplane services primarily in the Pacific Northwest of Canada and the US. It is comparable to Manta Air as a scheduled seaplane carrier serving tourism destinations with DHC-6 Twin Otter-type aircraft.
- Tropic Air: Tropic Air operates scheduled and charter flights throughout Belize and to neighboring countries using a fleet of Cessna and other small aircraft. It is comparable to Manta Air as a small-island/archipelago regional airline serving tourism destinations with mixed fleet operations.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Manta Air social profiles
Digital presenceManta Air compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Manta Air financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Manta Air leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles5 records
Manta Air funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Manta Air M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Manta Air
What does Manta Air do?
Manta Air operates scheduled and charter aviation services in the Maldives using ATR 72-600 turboprops for domestic routes between Male' and regional airports, and DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes for inter-atoll and luxury resort transfers. The airline also provides direct international flights from India (Bengaluru) and certified D1-rated aircraft MRO/NDT inspection services for third-party operators.
Is Manta Air a public or private company?
Manta Air is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Manta Air founded?
Manta Air was founded in 2018. It employs 501 to 1,000 people.
Where is Manta Air based?
Manta Air is headquartered in Male, Maldives, in the Asia region.
How does Manta Air make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Scheduled Flight Tickets are the primary driver. The others are seaplane Transfer Services, international Charter Flights and MRO/NDT Services.
Who are Manta Air's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Bangkok Airways and Air Seychelles. Signature Flight Support is listed as an others. Direct peers are Trans Maldivian Airways, Winair (Windward Islands Airways), Villa Airways (Flyme), Kenmore Air Express, Maldivian (Island Aviation), Harbour Air Seaplanes and Tropic Air.
Does Manta Air have an API?
No public API is recorded for Manta Air.
What industry is Manta Air in?
Manta Air's product category is Domestic Airline Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is TLAFABAI, Seaplane & Amphibious Air Taxi, with a secondary code of THABACAJ, Turboprop Regional Airlines. Its NAICS code is 48111 and its SIC code is 4512.