Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, inaugurated its first wide-body operations with the arrival of the Airbus A330-200. This historic milestone marks a significant expansion for the airline, which began its journey in 2000 with a modest fleet of two aircraft.
At the special event held at Velana International Airport to celebrate this landmark achievement, the President of the Maldives, His Excellency Dr Mohamed Muizzu, graced the occasion with his presence along with the Vice President, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, several government dignitaries, and senior officials. The arrival of the Airbus A330-200 marks a historic milestone for Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, as it embarks on its first wide-body operations. This addition to the airline’s fleet marks a significant milestone in its 25th year of service, expanding its capacity to connect the Maldives with more international destinations and travellers worldwide.
During the event, Island Aviation Services’ Managing Director, Mr Ibrahim Iyas, emphasised the significance of the new aircraft in the company’s growth strategy and its impact on the Maldives’ tourism industry. He stated, “With the introduction of our very first wide-body aircraft, we are now poised to expand our international flight capacity, open new routes, and connect the Maldives to long-haul destinations. This transformative step will not only strengthen our position as a global airline but also play a pivotal role in boosting the Maldives’ tourism sector by making our islands more accessible to travellers from around the world.”
Speaking at the event, President Muizzu further stated that, with the collaborative efforts of the Ministry of Finance, Island Aviation, and the Ministry of Transport nearing completion, the second wide-body aircraft is expected to be ready for flight by October.
The new Maldivian A330-200 aircraft will offer three cabin classes, seating 264 passengers. The aircraft will feature 18 seats in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy, and 210 in Economy Class, ensuring a comfortable journey for all travellers. This aircraft will enable the launch of direct flights to three major cities in China: Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, enhancing the airline’s global connectivity. This expansion is expected to provide a substantial boost to the Maldives’ tourism industry, attracting more visitors from China and beyond.
With the introduction of the wide-body Airbus A330-200, Maldivian is set to enhance its long-haul flight capabilities significantly. The airline plans to expand its routes further to key destinations in Europe and South Africa. The increased passenger capacity and extended range of the new aircraft will allow the airline to serve its international routes better and meet the growing demand for travel between the Maldives, China, and key tourist destinations.
Photos by Dynamyst
