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Maldivian adds new seaplane to fleet

National Carrier Maldivian on Sunday added a new aircraft to its seaplane fleet.The 15-seat Canadian made DHC-6 Twin Otter is the 8th seaplane acquired by the airline.

Maldivian said it is planning to increase its seaplane fleet to 10 before the end of the year. It currently provides seaplane services to 5 resorts across the country.

Maldivian is preparing to acquire an additional new aircraft, a 50-seater Dash 8-300, to further strengthen domestic operations. It said the new aircraft is expected to arrive in October, and would increase its fleet to 16. The fleet currently consists of 7 Dash-8 aircrafts, an Airbus A320 and an A321 and 7 Twin Otter seaplanes.

The National carrier on July 6 commenced direct flights to Chengdu, China, expanding international operations to 7 cities across China.

Currently, Maldivian operates flights to 7 destinations in China, Dhaka of Bangladesh, Thiruvananthapuram and Chennai of India, and Bangkok, Thailand.