Humming Bird Island Airways, now operating as Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA), is the oldest air transfer service provider in the Maldives, specializing in seaplane transfers for numerous tourist resorts. TMA currently maintains the world's largest seaplane fleet, ensuring seamless connectivity across the archipelago. Since December 2016, the airline has also been operating out of Gan International Airport, offering transfer services to resorts in Addu and Huvadhu Atoll.

 
Helocopters:
Sikorsky S-61N 
Mil Mi-8s
​
Seaplanes:
Cessna C208 Carvan
DHC6 Twin Otter
​
Wheel Aircraft:
ATR 42-320

Founded in 1989 by pilot Kit Chambers, the airline initially operated as Hummingbird Island Helicopters, exclusively utilizing a fleet of helicopters to transport tourists from the airport to select island resorts.
In its early years, the airline operated American-made Sikorsky S-61N helicopters before transitioning to Russian-built Mil Mi-8 aircraft, which were leased from HeliAir of Bulgaria.

In 1993, Maldivian Air Taxi entered the market as a direct competitor, offering seaplane transfers that quickly gained preference among travelers. To strengthen its position, the airline rebranded as Hummingbird Island Airways in 1997, introducing Twin Otter seaplanes to its fleet. By 1999, the company had fully transitioned to an exclusive seaplane fleet, phasing out all helicopters in favor of a more efficient and specialized air transfer service.

In 2000, Hummingbird Island was rebranded as Trans Maldivian Airways (TMA) under new management. Over the following years, TMA expanded its fleet to include 16 Twin Otter seaplanes, operating alongside Maldivian Air Taxi to facilitate transfers for an increasing number of tourist resorts across various atolls in the Maldives.
In 2006, TMA unveiled plans to introduce three ATR 42 aircraft to support domestic airport operations across the archipelago. The first ATR aircraft arrived in Malé in early 2007, with services to Gan commencing in August of the same year. However, in 2009, citing financial losses, TMA announced the suspension of all domestic operations, leading to the sale of the two ATR aircraft it had acquired.

On February 4, 2013, the Blackstone Group, a leading American equity firm, announced the acquisition of a majority stake in both Trans Maldivian Airways and Maldivian Air Taxi. This merger resulted in the creation of a new entity with a combined fleet of 44 seaplanes, solidifying its position as the world's largest seaplane operator.

The newly formed company retained the Trans Maldivian Airways brand name, introducing a refreshed logo and livery that incorporated the colors of Maldivian Air Taxi, reflecting the merger of the two airlines.