Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, has commenced operations to China with its newest acquisition, the wide-body Airbus A330-200. The inaugural flight to Chengdu was successfully held on 21 January with 52 passengers, including 32 tourists, on board.
In conjunction with the introduction of the Airbus A330-200, Maldivian has also announced a special promotional fare. Aminath Sameeha, General Manager of Reservations and Ticketing, stated that the promotional prices are 30% to 50% lower than current market rates. "If passengers wish, they may travel to one destination and return from another," Sameeha added.
Maldivian now operates direct flights to Chengdu thrice weekly, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Siwa Haleem, Manager of Cargo Services, noted that these flights will also facilitate air freight cargo from China to the Maldives. "These flights will undoubtedly facilitate the importation of cargo from China for Maldivian businesses, as we are initiating direct flights to three cities in China," Haleem added.
One passenger on the inaugural flight expressed to PSM News that the direct flights have significantly reduced the travel time from Malé to Chengdu, shortening it from a typical one-day journey to approximately six hours. This change has provided considerable convenience, the passenger said.
The new Airbus A330-200, with a seating capacity of 264 passengers, offers three cabin classes: economy, business, and premium. The acquisition fulfils an electoral commitment by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to introduce two wide-body aircraft for Island Aviation Services Ltd., the operator of Maldivian. The government also plans to acquire an additional wide-body aircraft and initiate flights to European destinations by October this year.