Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, is actively advancing plans to acquire a second wide-body aircraft to enhance its international operations and strengthen long-haul tourism connectivity. According to Ali Saleem, Deputy Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited, the airline has already received multiple proposals for the supply of the additional aircraft, which are currently under review.
This expansion follows the successful introduction of Maldivian’s first wide-body aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, into its fleet in January this year. The 264-seat aircraft marked a major advancement in the country’s aviation sector and fulfilled a key pledge made by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to increase the nation’s international air connectivity. Since entering service, the wide-body jet has enabled Maldivian to launch direct routes to major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, further opening up the Maldivian tourism market to East Asia.
In an interview with PSM News, Saleem noted that extensive preparations are underway to bring the second wide-body aircraft to Maldivian. “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. The airline has set an internal target to have the aircraft operational by October.
The arrival of the second wide-body aircraft will allow Maldivian to initiate direct services to key European destinations, a long-anticipated development in the nation’s tourism strategy. In his 2024 Presidential Statement, President Muizzu emphasized that acquiring a second wide-body aircraft would pave the way for direct flights to Europe, a move expected to significantly enhance the country’s appeal to long-haul travelers.
With Europe being a major source market for Maldivian tourism, the introduction of direct air links is expected to reduce travel time and increase visitor convenience, particularly for tourists seeking seamless travel experiences. This development aligns with the government’s broader tourism policy to diversify source markets and strengthen Maldives’ presence in premium travel segments.
The initiative is anticipated to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the tourism industry, which remains a vital pillar of the Maldivian economy. By expanding flight connectivity and reducing dependence on transit routes, Maldivian aims to provide more efficient travel options for international tourists, enhance its competitive edge in the regional aviation market, and support the government’s objective of attracting a higher volume of visitors from Europe and other distant markets.
As global tourism recovers and demand for long-haul destinations rises, Maldivian’s fleet expansion comes at a strategically opportune time. The national carrier is positioning itself to serve as a key enabler in connecting travelers directly to the Maldives’ pristine shores and luxurious resorts, reinforcing its role in advancing national economic development and tourism promotion.
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