Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has revealed that the national airline, Maldivian, is preparing to resume flights to China.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Maldivian operated flights to six destinations in China on its Airbus-A321, the largest aircraft in its fleet at the time. However, the lease of the aircraft expired and IASL has now announced the procurement of two more Airbus A330-200 aircraft.
Speaking to PSM News, Deputy Managing Director Aishath Jennifer said the intention of the airline is to find a long-haul aircraft and to provide service competitively. As such, she said the company is now preparing to launch flights to China and Europe.
Additionally, Jennifer said the resumption of flights at a time when the borders of China are open is a great opportunity for IASL to expand its services. As such, she said the airline is currently in discussions with Chinese travel agents regarding these flights. She also said flights to China and Europe will begin once the new aircraft are available.
China was the largest tourist destination in the Maldives before the outbreak. China has resumed flights to the Maldives after a hiatus due to COVID-19 restrictions. The Ministry of Tourism has said 8,854 tourists arrived from China so far this year. As such, China is currently the 8th top tourism market for the Maldives