The national flag carrier, Maldivian’s first wide-body aircraft, an Airbus A330-200, will make its maiden flight to Chengdu, China, on January 21.
The aircraft was brought to the Maldives by Maldivian’s parent company, Island Aviation Service Limited (IASL) on Monday, in alignment with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s presidential pledge. The aircraft has the capacity to carry 264 passengers across economy, business and premium classes.
According to Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen, scheduled flights to China’s Changdu will commence on January 21. The registration of the aircraft as well as crew training and other administrative preparations are underway, he confirmed.
The wide-body aircraft will fly to three destinations in China: Shanghai, Chengdu as well as Beijing. These flights are expected to bring over 60,000 passengers to the Maldives annually, according to the airline.
While the government believes the acquisition of the aircraft is one of the most significant milestones for the Maldives’ aviation industry, the government has also expressed hope that the new connection would strengthen tourism between China and Maldives, a vital market for Maldives’ tourism.
The addition of wide-body aircraft in marks a major step in bolstering the Maldives’ air connectivity and solidifying the Maldives’ position as a top tourism destination, according to the government.
