The Maldivian government currently setting up the first air ambulance service in the country.
As per the current plans,; one of the Dash8’s belonging to National airline Maldivian will be converted to be used as an Air Ambulance.
Maldivian is currently underway changing the entire turboprop fleet from Dash8s to ATRs. Maldivian has in total 9 Dash8s at their disposal which were meant to be sold at the end of the ATR transition period.
This is the first time such a service will be launched in the Maldives and prior to this, the only dedicated aircraft utilized for such service was with aircraft belonging to the Indian Navy.
Under agreements signed with the Indian goverment; A Dornier Do-228 and multiple helicopters were utilized for medical charter flights.
However, the transfer of medical passengers is still continuously done by Maldivian Airlines in passenger flights or under separate medical charter flights.
Maldivian’s initial plan was to replace the entire Dash8 fleet by 2025 however it seems like Dash8’s or at least the Dash8 that will be utilized for Air Ambulance service is here to stay.