Maldivian’s latest wide-body aircraft for international operations arrives

The new wide-body aircraft addition to the fleet of Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian, arrived on Monday.

With the addition of this Airbus A-330 aircraft with the capacity of 264 passengers, Maldivian aims to introduce direct flight routes to Europe and China.

Expansion of the national carrier’s fleet with wide-body aircraft for international operations is a key pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who also officiated the operation of the wide-body aircraft upon their touchdown in the Maldives.

The aircraft features three seating classes; which are business, economy, and premium economy.

While Maldivian has expanded its fleet with Monday’s wide-body arrival, the carrier is aiming to expand its fleet further with an additional wide-body aircraft while the airline is anticipating to kickstart direct flights to three China and Europe this year.

Maldivian reports it aims to introduce seven new flight routes with the Airbus A-330 addition becoming operational.

The carrier on Monday hosted a special air show to welcome the arrival of the wide-body Airbus. Upon touchdown, President Muizzu had toured the aircraft.

Previously, Maldivian operated to international destinations including China and South Africa, but owing to the lack of long-haul aircraft, the carrier operated to these destinations via transits.

Currently, the national carrier boasts of 13 aircraft, which include an Airbus A320 and four ATRs. The remainder of the fleet is comprised of older Dash-8 Twin Otters.

Maldivian currently operates its flights in 16 domestic routes and to Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and three destinations of India.