The national airline, Maldivian, has signed an agreement to purchase two ATR 42-600 aircraft. The new aircraft will join the airline's existing regional fleet, which includes two ATR 72-600 and one ATR 42-600, to replace the older generation dash-8 aircraft.
Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) Mohamed Mihad said the Maldivian introduced the first two ATR aircraft into its fleet in January 2023, and passengers already praise the comfort and modernity of their cabin, as well as the reliability of the services. He said that as the benchmark in regional aviation, both in terms of financial efficiency and carbon emissions, the ATR-600 series represents a valuable asset for the airline to achieve responsible growth while providing quick access to essential services and preserving destinations for the archipelago’s residents and tourists.
Moreover, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ATR Nathalie Tarnaud Laude said Maldivian has, yet again, chosen to invest in the lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market and the proven benchmark in terms of operating economics to modernise its fleet and sustain the vital connections it is offering its communities. She said that having a mixed fleet of both ATR 42-600 and 72-600 will offer Maldivian flexibility, reliability, comfort, and profitability on the smallest routes. She added that passengers will benefit from state-of-the-art aircraft, providing responsible and affordable connectivity for many years to come.