Scheduled flights on the national carrier Maldivian’s newly acquired Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft will commence on 21 January, starting with the Chengdu-Malé route, according to Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen.
During an interview on the 'Raajje Miadhu' programme on PSM News, Minister Ameen disclosed that the ministry and relevant agencies are actively working to commence flights with the new wide-body aircraft. "The first scheduled flight is on the 21st of this month to Chengdu [in China]. It will take some time to start operations after acquiring an aircraft," Minster Ameen explained.
"The aircraft was registered under another country two days ago, subsequently re-registered, and the registration changed to this country [Maldives]. The operations crew also requires training and other preparations on the aircraft, along with administrative tasks that need to be completed as well."
The new Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft was officially welcomed in the Maldives and inaugurated on Monday. This acquisition fulfills an electoral commitment of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to introduce two wide-body aircraft for Island Aviation Services Ltd., the operator of Maldivian.
Maldivian's latest acquisition, the Airbus A330-200, is renowned for its safety and reliability, attributed to its advanced engineering. The new aircraft boasts a capacity of 264 passengers, offering three cabin classes: economy, business, and premium.
The introduction of the wide-body aircraft signifies a pivotal moment for the nation’s aviation industry. During the ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA), President Dr Muizzu described the occasion as "a historic day in the aviation sector of the country." The president further assured that efforts are actively underway to acquire and operationalise a second wide-body aircraft by October.
In addition to Chengdu, Maldivian is planning to operate flights to two other destinations in China: Beijing and Shanghai. Maldivian anticipates that the operations of the wide-body aircraft will bring in an additional 60,000 tourists annually.
The expansion of Maldivian's operations through the introduction of wide-body aircraft is anticipated to significantly enhance the country's tourism industry. The A330-200 aircraft is meticulously designed to meet the latest safety regulations and is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, ensuring the utmost safety for both the aircraft and its passengers.