The deadline for submitting proposals to acquire a second wide-body aircraft for the national airline, Maldivian, has been extended.
Maldivian introduced its first wide-body aircraft to its fleet on 6 this January this year, fulfilling a key presidential pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu. While the Airbus A330-200, which has 264 seats, is currently in service, Maldivian sought to add a second wide-body aircraft to its fleet on 6 February. Maldivian is seeking to lease a second aircraft of the same model for a five-year period.
Maldivian’s parent company, Island Aviation Service Limited (IASL) said while the original deadline for submitting proposals expired on Friday, the deadline has now been extended until 14 March.
Maldivian has launched direct flights to three Chinese cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu with its first wide-body aircraft. Delivering this year’s Presidential Statement, President Muizzu said the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft would introduce Maldivian’s direct flights to European destinations. The government aims to commence these flights by October this year.
The government believes the acquisition of a second wide-body aircraft will significantly boost Maldives’ tourism. The government hopes to increase the number of tourists visiting the Maldives from long-haul markets with the launch of direct flights to these destinations.