The national airline, Maldivian, has received several proposals for the supply of an additional wide-body aircraft, Deputy Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited, Ali Saleem has revealed.
Maldivian introduced its first wide-body aircraft to its fleet on 6 this January this year, fulfilling a key presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. While the Airbus A330-200, which has 264 seats, is currently in service, Maldivian sought to add a second wide-body aircraft to its fleet.
In an exclusive interview with PSM News, Ali Saleem said that a lot of work is being done to bring another wide body aircraft to Maldivian, adding that the announcement has attracted several proposals.
"We have already received several proposals for a few aircrafts. The aircrafts are being evaluated now and we are working to bring the Airbus to Maldives by the end of the year or even sooner,” he explained.
With the second wide-body aircraft, the airline will commence operations to Europe and other destinations with high demand, Ali Saleem said, adding that the company has aimed October as a launch date.
Maldivian has launched direct flights to three Chinese cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu with its first wide-body aircraft. Delivering this year’s Presidential Statement, President Muizzu said the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft would introduce Maldivian’s direct flights to European destinations. The government aims to commence these flights by October this year.
The government believes the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft will significantly boost Maldives’ tourism. The government hopes to increase the number of tourists visiting the Maldives from long-haul markets with the launch of direct flights to these destinations.