Carlyle Group Considering Sale Of Trans Maldivian Airways Valued As High As USD 700 Million

The Carlyle Group is considering the sale of the world's largest seaplane operator, Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA).

Carlyle Group Inc is the majority stakeholder of Trans Maldivian Airways as the multi-product global alternative asset management firm completed the buyout of firm Bain Capital following a debt restructuring deal of TMA in 2021.

Bain Capital acquired TMA in 2017 with a buyout valued at USD 550 million forming the largest seaplane operator in the world.

According to the report by Bloomberg, the sale of Trans Maldivian Airways could be at as high as USD 700 million.

Trans Maldivian Airways was founded in 1989 as Hummingbird Island Helicopters by pilot Kit Chambers and operated with a fleet of helicopters while Maldivian Air Taxi was founded in 1993 operating with DHC6 Twin Otters.

Humming Island Helicopters as well later acquired DHC6 Twin Otters and was rebranded as Trans Maldivian Airways in 2000.

The two companies merged in 2013 when American equity, The Black Stone Group acquired the two companies thus becoming the largest seaplane operator in the world.