The national flag carrier, Maldivian, is planning to expand its wide body aircraft operations to Europe after launching direct flights to three Chinese cities.
Maldivian will connect Velana International Airport (VIA) with three major Chinese cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, using a wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft next year.
The first of its newly acquired wide-body aircraft is expected to arrive on 7 January 2025.
In an interview with PSM News, Maldivian Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem said the airline is now making the necessary preparations to launch its wide-body operations.
Describing it as an important milestone for the airline's growth, Ali Saleem said the wide-body operations will significantly boost the endeavour.
The operations are expected to carry 60,000 passengers annually to the Maldives, he said, adding that will be a huge financial boost for the airline.
Saleem said the wide body operations are scheduled to be launched in China.
China remains the top source market for Maldives tourism.
"With these flights to China, we will be able to carry 60,000 passengers a year as planned. This will also bring financial benefits. And the expansion of our services to the world will also help the airline’s growth,” he said.
Maldivian’s Chief Strategist Mohamed Saffah said the operations will be first launched to three destinations in China. After that, operations will be launched in Europe, he added.
"The flights will first start to Shanghai, Chengdu and Beijing in China. And we are working very hard to start flights to Europe," Saffah said.
According to Maldivian, the airline will operate flights to the three Chinese cities three times a week and will accommodate economy, business and premier class passengers.