Maldivian Expanding International Operations with Plans to Acquire Airbus A330-220 for Direct Flights

In a strategic move to bolster its international operations, Maldivian Airlines, operated by Island Aviation, has announced plans to acquire a wide-body aircraft for direct flights to key international destinations. The airline is currently seeking a five-year dry lease of an Airbus A330-220, with the objective of expanding its reach beyond the Maldives.
The decision to explore direct flights to international markets comes on the heels of the Maldivian government's initiative to boost tourism by facilitating easier access to tourist source markets. Presidential Spokesperson Mohamed Shaheeb, on December 17, revealed that the Cabinet had greenlit the commencement of direct flights to enhance the country's appeal as a tourist destination.
Island Aviation, in a statement, expressed its intention to invite bids for the lease of an Airbus A330-220, with a deadline for submission set for January 24 at 4:00 p.m. The lease, which extends over five years, will place operational costs, including repairs, fuel, and crew expenses, on the lessee.
This move marks a significant expansion for Maldivian Airlines, with the potential to tap into distant markets with the wide-body aircraft. The Airbus A330-220, with a capacity to carry up to 275 passengers, is well-suited for long-haul flights and positions Maldivian to establish direct connections to key tourist source countries.
Notably, the government has prioritized China as a top destination for direct flights, emphasizing the strategic importance of the initiative. Efforts are underway to secure funding and financing facilities for Island Aviation to facilitate the acquisition of the wide-body aircraft.
Maldivian Airlines currently operates a fleet of 14 aircraft, including the Airbus A320 and ATRs. The acquisition of an Airbus A330-220 is poised to elevate the airline's capabilities and contribute to the continued growth of the Maldives' tourism sector. The aircraft is expected to be delivered in the second half of the coming year, marking a new chapter in Maldivian's international flight operations.