Trans Maldives Airways

[Ravintola]

Any information on this organisation? What is the working environment like in the Maldives? I'm sure it's a great leisure destination but working in paradise is different from lying on the beach!

[bugs bunny]

I can't help you but I'm intersted too...
Kippis!:D

[ruby tuesday]

Its really what you make of it...you would live in Male which has very limited 'expat' style accomodation, but many floatplane guys share if they are not with partners etc.
Of course no nightlife as such but you would spend plenty of time at the resorts on turnarounds and overnights - not sure TMA's allowances are but the resorts are genrous to the crew.

Most guys stick it for about a year and then start to go crazy - things can be frustrating trying live a normal life - supermarkets arevery limited and decent produce is minimal (apart from on the resorts).

I can thoroughly recommend it if you are the open minded type and want to sample a unique aviation environment.

[MisterDobbalina]

Ruby Tuesday,

Do you know what the minimum hours, qualifications etc are for TMA or Maldivian Air Taxis?

[Jinkster]

Try the mataxi website.

www.mataxi.com

Would love to fly for them myself..would be great for a year.

Jinkster

[JoeCo]

You can have a look here http://www.tma.com.mv/

Although the two site have pretty pictures, not much on pilot requirement or career ops. However having float time and more specifically, Twin Otter float time is a huge asset.

TMA is looking right now, as per the numerous adverts, and MAT is always on the look out for potential candidates.

[747fanatic]

July 15, 2004
TRANS MALDIVIAN AIRWAYS (Twin Otter Captains)

Experienced Twin Otter Float Captains needed. Minimum Requirements: 3000TT, 1000PIC, 1000 Floats, , and 250 Float equipped twin otter.

Fax: +960 323161

I hope this helps.

[sharksucker]

For FO´s, minimum for mataxi is a float rating (either SE or ME) and a valid ICAO CPL licence..
Only real chance for low hour guys to get in there is to know somebody working there, best of course to know the chief pilot..
mataxi is operated by Ken Borek Air in Canada..
Not sure about TMA, but what I have heard is Martaxi the more desireable company to work for, according t´s and c´s..

[ruby tuesday]

MAT is def more desireable to work for - less local influence if you know what I mean. Owned by a Danish racing driver with a Sri Lankan and Canadian in next senior positions. They fly to the top resorts.
TMA still has a few to many locals involved (incl owners) so its a bit political - Dutch guy in the top position is tough I hear (prev was a Canadian).

For what its worth MAT standards are considered higher - in every aspect!!!

[Bangkok Layover]

Maldives however did not have good reputation when it came to payments.

Lots of crew, both pilots and cabin crew left the Air-line unpaid,when partly mannaged by MAS-Malasian Airlines, funded by Maldives Gov.

[JoeCo]

Bangkok Layover,

It sounds like you are talkinbg about the Air Maldives (Airbus, Dash 8, DO 228) and not the sea plane operations like MAT and TMA. To my knowledge they are no longer, however the sea plane market still has a strong foothold.

[Xeque]

God, what an opportunity to get some really cheery fight hours in.

Who do I have to contact/bribe/genuflect/sell my soul to get a job here.

I'm 60 years old. I'm financially independent. I have a PPL with IMC and Night ratings. I can swim!! (and dive) I love the Maldives.

Help me! I want to be a part of this.

[roverlad]

Tma is now hiring alot of locals to fly as FO'S for them. They used to hire manily Canadians and the odd ozzie or kiwi but now it is switching to locals filling in those jobs. TMA is still taking FO'S from Canada only and is definitely the more professional company. If you get on with TMA/Borek from there you can fly in the Canadian Arctic,Burma.Antarctica and on plenty of contacts around the world including some for the U.N.
I presently work for a company that flys twins and a good 3/4 of our pilots have flown for TMA and the odd one for TMA so I have a good understanding of what it is like there. It is who you know though to get on in the Maldives. When I finish my licences next spring I luckily have an in at Borek so if all goes to plan I'll be in Male for next September,do 6 months there and then hopefully get back to do there Canadian operations up at Resolute or Cambridge bay. We'll see.
Anyways if any of you have any more questions just shoot them my way.

Take it easy....

roverlad

[ruby tuesday]

Roverlad
I think your post may have confused a few as you are still not clear on your reference to TMA or MAT - infact everything refers to TMA when I know you mean MAT....
Read you post again?