The national airline, 'Maldivian' has welcomed the 23rd aircraft to its fleet. The Dash 8 was given a water cannon salute upon arrival at Velana International Airport.
The new 50-seat aircraft was brought from Maastricht, Netherlands. Maldivian revealed that the new aircraft will be used in domestic operations in addition to the operation of flights to Thiruvananthapuram, India.
Speaking with PSM News, Minister of Tourism Moosa Zameer said, the operation of flights will be made easier with the addition of the new aircraft. Meanwhile, Minister of Economic Development Mohamed Saeed noted the vision of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom is to enhance the economy of Maldives. Minister Saeed also highlighted that the fleet of the national carrier has expanded from 7 to 23 since President Yameen assumed office in 2013.