The launch of wide-body aircraft operations will significantly expand Maldives’ tourism and trade, national flag carrier, Maldivian said Sunday.
The first of Maldivian’s newly acquired wide-body aircraft is scheduled to arrive on Monday.
The acquisition of the Airbus A330 marks a historic milestone for both the airline and the country’s aviation industry.
Speaking on PSM News' “Raajje Miadhu” programme, Maldivian’s Chief Commercial Officer Ismail Amrah Umar said the wide-body aircraft will commence operations to three destinations in China this month.
The operations will provide a much needed boost for local businesses, Amrah said, especially with the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with China now in effect.
"We are launching the wide-body aircraft to three destinations in China this month. That is to Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu. We will have direct access to all three destinations which in turn opens the door to cargo transportation,” he explained.
“The wide-body aircraft can carry over 10 tonnes of cargo on each flight. So this will open a gateway of opportunity for our businesses”.
In addition to trade, Maldivian’s wide-body operations will also augment the country’s tourism industry, Amrah said.
China remains the largest tourism source market for the Maldives, with the highest number of tourist arrivals last year.
"If a tourist departs from Beijing and travels on Maldivian, then the door will be open to travel seamlessly with just one ticket to the final destination. Tourism can become complete with this,” he said.
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.
Maldivian is planning to expand its wide-body operations to Europe after China.