Manta Aviation Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between big-name operators in the local tourism industry, has announced a new airline service.

The company said that ‘Manta Air’ will begin operating domestic flights in October, with four seaplanes and three 72-passenger ATR aircrafts.

Manta Aviation is registered as a subsidiary of Riola Investments; a joint venture between local tourism giant Universal, the Kandima Resort, and Dhaalu Airport Holdings.

The company said that it has received its ‘no objection’ letter from the Civil Aviation Authority, but that a number of other process need to completed before commencing operations.