Maldives national carrier Maldivian has seen the introduction of its first wide-body aircraft, marking a transformative moment in the country’s aviation history.
At a ceremony held at Velana International Airport, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, along with distinguished government officials, welcomed the arrival of Maldivian’s new Airbus A330-200.
This significant expansion comes as Maldivian celebrates its 25th year of service, having evolved from a modest beginning with just two aircraft in 2000 to become the nation’s premier carrier.
During the celebration, Island Aviation Services’ Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas emphasized the strategic importance of this fleet expansion.
“Our first wide-body aircraft represents more than just an addition to our fleet – it opens doors to increased international flight capacity and new long-haul routes,” he explained.
“This advancement strengthens our global presence and will significantly boost tourism by making the Maldives more accessible to international travelers from diverse markets. We’re not just expanding our operations; we’re creating new opportunities for the entire tourism sector.”
Maldivian A330 Configuration
The new Airbus A330-200 introduces a sophisticated three-class cabin configuration with 264 seats: 18 in Business Class, offering premium comfort and service; 36 in Premium Economy, providing enhanced travel experience; and 210 in Economy Class, ensuring comfortable journeys for all passengers.
This strategic addition enables Maldivian to launch direct flights to three major Chinese cities – Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu – promising enhanced connectivity and increased tourist arrivals from the vital Chinese market.
Looking beyond Asia, Maldivian’s ambitious expansion plans include future routes to key destinations in Europe and South Africa. The A330-200’s extended range and larger passenger capacity strategically position the airline to better serve the growing international travel demands between the Maldives and major tourist markets worldwide.
Celebrations on Widebody Arrival
The celebration featured a spectacular airshow displaying Maldivian’s existing fleet, including Dash-8, DHC-6 Twin Otters, and ATR aircraft.
The impressive aerial display, visible from both Malé and Hulhumalé, preceded the announcement of an exciting photo and video competition offering luxury prizes, including stays at 5-star resorts and international flight tickets.
The festivities continue with “Maldivian Haveeree Ufaa,” an engaging public festival scheduled for January 11th.
This community-focused event will showcase the airline’s achievements through interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and family-friendly activities, bringing together airline staff and the public in celebration of this historic milestone.
About Maldivian
As the Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian serves as a vital link across the archipelago, connecting 16 domestic airports while also maintaining crucial international routes to destinations across India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The airline maintains the country’s largest wheel-based fleet, complemented by specialized seaplane services that ensure seamless transportation for tourists to the nation’s world-renowned resort destinations.
The current fleet comprises 24 aircraft: one A320, eight Dash 8 aircraft, eleven DHC-6 Twin Otters, and four ATRs.
With this strong foundation and the addition of the new A330-200, Maldivian continues to expand its global reach while embodying the Maldives’ renowned hospitality and natural beauty through its service.
This latest expansion reinforces the airline’s commitment to excellence and its vital role in supporting the Maldives’ position as a premier global tourism destination.
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