The national airline, Maldivian, will host an air show to showcase its first wide-body aircraft, an Airbus A330.
The Airbus A330, which can carry 324 passengers, will be the largest aircraft in Maldivian’s fleet to date. While the aircraft is currently in Singapore, the airshow will be held on January 6 after the aircraft’s arrival in the Maldives.
According to Maldivian, the airshow will be held at the Usfasgandu area in Male’ as well as Hulhumale Phase I and II, from 5:00 to 5:30 pm on Monday.
The addition of a wide-body aircraft to Maldivian’s operations fulfills a significant government pledge. While China is currently the Maldives’ largest tourism market, the A330 will operate flights to three destinations in China. In the future, Maldivian plans to expand its service to Europe.
According to Maldivian, the new aircraft will accommodate 324 passengers across three cabin classes: economy, business and premium. The flight’s operation is expected to bring in an extra 60,000 passengers annually.
The Maldivian’s current fleet includes over 20 aircraft.