Island Aviation Services to Boost Maldives Tourism with Wide-Body Airbus A330

Malé, Maldives – Island Aviation Services (IAS) has announced the addition of a wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft to its fleet, a move expected to bring an estimated 60,000 additional tourists to the Maldives annually. The 264-seater aircraft is scheduled to arrive in Malé on 6 January, following final modifications in Singapore.

Deputy Managing Director of Maldivian Airlines, Ali Saleem, highlighted the significance of this development, noting that the A330 will initially operate weekly flights to Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. He emphasized that the aircraft’s extended range, capable of non-stop flights for up to 10 hours, also opens opportunities to connect the Maldives with key markets in Europe, Africa, and Australia.

“The introduction of the A330 will not only enhance our role in supporting Maldives' tourism sector but will also strengthen the airline's ability to attract visitors from diverse international destinations,” Saleem stated.

The Airbus A330 boasts an upgraded passenger experience with 18 business class seats, 36 premium economy seats, and 210 economy seats, alongside a cargo capacity of 10 tonnes. According to Ismail Athif, IAS Technical Strategy Manager, the aircraft will streamline logistics, improving the transport of goods between China and the Maldives while contributing to the overall efficiency of operations.

The addition of the A330 complements IAS’s current fleet of 13 aircraft, which includes an Airbus A320, four ATR aircraft for international routes, and DASH aircraft for domestic travel.

This strategic expansion underscores IAS’s commitment to strengthening Maldives' connectivity with international markets and fostering the continued growth of its tourism industry.