Maldivian, the national airline, is on the lookout for a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner to lease for six years. The plan is to add this aircraft to its fleet to introduce nonstop flights to popular tourist destinations. Island Aviation Services (IAS), which operates Maldivian, recently issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) specifying the need for a Dreamliner with 270 seats, including 15 to 20 Business class seats. The anticipated delivery is set for the second quarter of this year.
President Mohamed Muizzu has given the green light to enhance Maldivian’s capabilities by introducing two wide-body aircraft. These additions will enable the airline to offer nonstop direct flights, with plans for at least two or three flights a week to selected destinations in China, Europe, and South Africa.
China is a top priority for Maldivian, aligning with the government’s Hafuthaa 14 roadmap. While the airline currently operates internationally only to India and Bangladesh, the aim is to expand services to new regions. In February, Maldivian had sought proposals for the dry lease of two A330-200 aircraft, but there haven’t been any updates since.
Presently, Maldivian flies internationally to destinations in India and Bangladesh, while its domestic flights are served by three ATR 72 aircraft. The airline is committed to expanding its fleet and is considering a change in logo and branding. Currently, Maldivian’s fleet includes one Airbus A320, three ATR aircraft, 10 Dash-8 aircraft, and eleven Twin Otter seaplanes.
