The aircraft features three cabin classes—Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy—offering seating for 264 passengers.
Maldivian
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, marked a historic milestone with the arrival of its first wide-body aircraft, the Airbus A330-200, at Velana International Airport today. This significant development represents a major step forward in the airline’s 25-year journey, which began in 2000 with a modest fleet of just two aircraft.
The special event to celebrate this achievement was graced by the President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, and other dignitaries, alongside senior officials from the airline. Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services, Ibrahim Iyas, highlighted the importance of this expansion for the airline and the nation.
With the introduction of our very first wide-body aircraft, we are now poised to expand our international flight capacity, open new routes, and connect the Maldives to long-haul destinations. This transformative step will not only strengthen our position as a global airline but also play a pivotal role in boosting the Maldives’ tourism sector by making our islands more accessible to travellers from around the world.
The Airbus A330-200 brings significant advancements to Maldivian’s operations. The aircraft features three cabin classes—Business Class, Premium Economy, and Economy—offering seating for 264 passengers. With 18 Business Class seats, 36 in Premium Economy, and 210 in Economy, the airline is set to provide a comfortable travel experience for all passengers.
This wide-body aircraft will enable Maldivian to launch direct flights to key destinations, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu in China. The airline also plans to expand to new long-haul markets, including destinations in Europe and South Africa, further strengthening its global presence.
The arrival of the Airbus A330-200 is expected to have a transformative impact on the Maldives’ tourism industry, which is a cornerstone of the nation’s economy. By enhancing connectivity to major markets, particularly in China, the expansion is anticipated to attract more international visitors, contributing to the growth of tourism and related industries.
The milestone was celebrated with an airshow featuring Maldivian’s fleet, including the Dash-8, DHC-6 Twin Otters, and ATR aircraft, at Velana International Airport. The airshow, visible from Malé and Hulhumalé, showcased the airline’s current capabilities and celebrated its growth.
The celebrations will continue on January 11th with a public festival, 'Maldivian Haveeree Ufaa'. The festival will feature interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and activities involving the airline’s staff, fostering a sense of community pride in this remarkable achievement.
With expanded capacity, new routes, and a commitment to enhancing the passenger experience, Maldivian is set to play a larger role in connecting the Maldives to the world.
