By Malé, Maldives– Maldivian Airlines has signed an agreement with TrueNode to acquire an A330-200 Airbus, marking the beginning of the airline’s long-haul flight operations.
Island Aviation Managing Director Ibrahim Ilyas signed the agreement on behalf of Maldivian, while TrueNode CCO Karst Lindaboom represented the company at a ceremony held today.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ilyas emphasized the significance of the project as part of the government’s promises and its impact on the Maldives’ economy, particularly in promoting tourism.
“The Cabinet meeting held on December 23, 2023, decided to bring wide-body aircraft to Maldivian. Following that decision, the company started the work with a specific timeline. This is a huge step for the national airline to move forward in a competitive environment internationally,” Ilyas stated.
He further highlighted the capabilities of the A330-200 aircraft, which has been in operation with various airlines for nearly 30 years. “This aircraft has three times the range of our narrow-body fleet. It features three classes with 18 seats in business, 36 seats in premium economy, and 210 seats in economy, totaling 264 seats,” Ilyas added.
The Airbus is expected to begin operations in the fourth quarter, initially making flights to China, with future routes planned for Europe and South Africa.
President Dr. Muizzu had announced earlier this year that the national airline would expand its services and introduce larger aircraft to cover more destinations worldwide. Wide-body aircraft are known for their capacity to carry a large number of passengers, a goal Maldivian has aimed for but not previously achieved in practice.
This strategic move is seen as a significant milestone for Maldivian Airlines as it aims to enhance its competitive edge and expand its reach in the international aviation market.