Budget Airline Targets Maldives

Maldives can expect to see a rapid growth in the number of tourists from China, Hong Kong and Macau following the introduction of direct flights from the region with a new budget fare airline.

Viva Macau is the latest entrant in the fast-growing low-fare sector of the airline industry. Maldives is one of the new airline’s launch destinations and Viva Macau believe it will be an increasingly popular route.

It is the only airline in Greater China that offers non-stop direct flights to Maldives, offering customers an opportunity to enjoy the country’s renowned dive sites and beaches.

According to chief executive, Andrew Pyne, Viva Macau aims to bring residents of Macau, Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta to exciting destinations like Maldives at fares that represent great value for money.

"We are confident that this will become a popular destination choice for passengers who thrive on a truly exotic travel experience," said Pyne. "Viva Macau is building an exciting and sustainable network for Macau and the whole Pearl River Delta region."

Maldives has been a favourite destination from China and the Pearl River Delta region since Maldives received Approved Destination Status (ADS) from China in December 2002. Maldives has seen a robust increase in Chinese arrivals as a result. According to a Maldives Tourism report, growth rates from this region have maintained double digits during the last five year period. In 2004, growth rate to Maldives was at 37 percent, placing the Chinese market second in Maldives’ top regional source markets.

Viva Macau’s core proposition is low-fare air travel without compromising on service quality. Offering fun elements in service and a variety of exciting destinations, Viva Macau believes that passengers should be able to travel to a wider range of destinations at affordable prices.

"Our goal is to be a strong, solid partner in the tourism development of Macau and we will do this by continuously developing new routes and destinations that will complement the growth of our home base", says Pyne.

Viva Macau flies to Maldives twice a week on Thursdays and Sundays. The company uses Boeing wide-body 767 jets, which give it a 12-hour range and allow it to offer service as far as Australia, the Middle East and Europe. The airline offers two classes of cabin service, named Star and Superstar, inspired by the Las Vegas spirit of its Macau hub and giving its passengers greater choice.

Viva Macau is a privately owned company. Shareholders include prominent local entities and businesses and MKW Capital, an international venture capital firm with equity investments across a diversified portfolio of businesses in Macau. The airline employs more than 100 cabin and cockpit crew and ground staff from 16 different countries. Its management team has more than 200 years of combined airline experience.

Courtesy: By Minivan News
01 February 2007