The national airline, Maldivian, has revealed plans to release its largest aircraft in the fleet to acquire a new long-haul aircraft. The largest aircraft in the fleet is an Airbus-A321. The aircraft was rented on January 20, 2015.
Speaking to PSM News Deputy Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) Aishath Jennifer revealed the largest aircraft in its fleet is being released as the lease expires. She said since the aircraft is very old and the maintenance fee is high, adding efforts are underway to purchase a new aircraft.
Highlighting the lease term of the aircraft which was rented for eight years and two months expires on March next year, Jennifer revealed the aircraft has been in operation for nearly 20 years although it has been used by IASL for just eight years. She said the aircraft is not suitable for long sectors and IASL intends is to find a quality aircraft that can be used for long distance destinations. She noted the services can be provided competitively by bringing in a new aircraft.
Maldivian currently has 23 aircraft in its fleet and operates to international sectors including Trivandrum and Cochin in India and Dhaka in Bangladesh.