Manta Air (NR, Malé) has taken delivery of its first Beech 1900D. ZS-EAH (msn UE424) departed Johannesburg O.R. Tambo on Sunday, August 14, 2022, and was ferried to Velana International Airport in the Maldives where it arrived on Monday, August 15 after stops at Mombasa and Mahé. It is uncertain at this point whether the plane was acquired outright or obtained on a wet lease. Manta Air did not respond to a request for comment before publication.
According to online databases, the 19-seat Beechcraft turboprop, manufactured in 2001, is operated by King Air Services Partnership in South Africa. Following its arrival, the Maldivian carrier says it will put the plane through a series of trial flights which, if successful, could see Manta acquire more.
According to the ch-aviation fleets Manta Air operates three ATR72-600s, one DHC-6-200, and nine DHC-6-300s. All the aircraft are dry leased. The airline presently flies to Dharavandhoo Island, Gan Island, and Kudahuvadhoo from its base at Velana. Manta's lean towards the DHC-6-300 appears to be ongoing, with four more due. However, Manta says if the first Beechcraft proves a success, the aircraft type could open the way to growing its regional operations.
