Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has invited proposals to lease up to two Airbus A220-300 aircraft as part of its continued programme to expand and modernise its fleet, with deliveries planned for late 2027 and early 2028.
Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), the operator of Maldivian, issued the invitation on 11 October 2026, seeking operating lease proposals for periods ranging from six to 12 years. The planned acquisition reflects the airline’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its operational capacity and support the continued development of the Maldives’ aviation and tourism sectors.
Under the proposed delivery schedule, the first Airbus A220-300 is expected to arrive during the fourth quarter of 2027, while the second aircraft is targeted for delivery in the first quarter of 2028. Both aircraft are expected to be based at Velana International Airport, the country’s principal international aviation hub.
IASL has invited proposals from aircraft owners, operators, lessors, commercial banks and financial institutions, while brokers and intermediaries will not be eligible to participate. The airline is seeking aircraft configured with two cabin classes, including a minimum of eight business-class seats. Its preferred configuration consists of eight business-class seats and 130 economy-class seats, providing a balanced layout for both premium and standard passenger markets.
The Airbus A220-300 is designed for short- and medium-haul operations and offers a combination of modern passenger comfort, operational efficiency and flexible capacity. The aircraft could provide Maldivian with greater flexibility in serving regional and international destinations while supporting passenger growth through Velana International Airport. Its introduction would also complement the airline’s broader fleet strategy as the Maldives continues strengthening international air connectivity.
The tender outlines detailed requirements relating to aircraft condition, delivery arrangements and commercial terms. Proposals will be evaluated based on technical suitability, financial terms and additional commercial conditions. Technical suitability will account for 40 percent of the evaluation, financial terms will carry a 45 percent weighting, and the remaining 15 percent will be allocated to additional commercial considerations.
The financial evaluation will take into account the net present value of lease-related cash flows, including rental payments, security deposits, aircraft induction costs, maintenance reserves and redelivery expenses. IASL has also indicated a preference for proposals that provide training support for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance personnel and flight dispatchers, together with coverage of ferry costs associated with delivering the aircraft to Velana International Airport.
The airline is additionally seeking provisions for rental relief in circumstances where an aircraft may be grounded due to unforeseen major maintenance requirements during a specified period following delivery, further strengthening operational and financial safeguards within the proposed lease arrangements.
IASL has set 15 October 2026 at 2:00 p.m. as the deadline for submitting requests for clarification, with responses scheduled to be issued by 11:59 p.m. on 19 October 2026.
Maldivian has continued to strengthen its aircraft portfolio in recent years, including the introduction of an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft in January 2025. The proposed addition of Airbus A220-300 aircraft would further diversify the airline’s fleet and increase its capacity to support future network expansion.
The planned fleet enhancement aligns with the Government’s broader emphasis on strengthening national aviation infrastructure, improving connectivity and supporting sustainable growth in the Maldives’ tourism-driven economy. With Velana International Airport undergoing continued development and passenger demand remaining central to the country’s economic growth, the expansion of Maldivian’s fleet is expected to play an important role in increasing travel options and strengthening the Maldives’ position as a globally connected island destination.
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