Maldivian to Launch Direct Flights to Major Chinese Cities with New Wide-Body Aircraft

Maldivian has announced the launch of direct flights from Malé to Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu starting January 2025. This milestone is made possible with the addition of a new A330-200 wide-body Airbus to its fleet, acquired through an agreement with TrueNoord. The A330-200, equipped with a capacity to travel up to 13,000 kilometers non-stop, marks a significant advancement in the airline's operations.

The new aircraft offers 264 seats across three classes: 18 in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy, and 210 in Economy Class. The inaugural flights with this wide-body aircraft are scheduled to connect the Maldives to major Chinese cities, reflecting the airline's commitment to enhancing accessibility and fostering tourism between the two nations.

A launch event was recently held in Beijing, gathering key stakeholders from the Maldives and China. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral tourism ties, leveraging the new flight routes to attract more visitors. Maldivian highlighted the importance of this initiative as a step toward revitalizing tourism by offering seamless travel options for Chinese tourists, a key demographic for the Maldivian tourism sector.

Maldivian’s Managing Director expressed enthusiasm about the enhanced connectivity and the role it will play in promoting mutual economic growth. The A330-200, with its enhanced range and passenger capacity, positions Maldivian as a competitive player in international travel.