Maldivian Introduces First Wide-Body Aircraft, Marks 25th Anniversary with Airbus A330-200

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has achieved a major milestone by inaugurating its first wide-body operations with the arrival of the Airbus A330-200. The historic event, held at Velana International Airport, was attended by the President of the Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, along with Vice President Hussain Mohamed Latheef, senior government officials, and other dignitaries. This significant development comes as Maldivian celebrates 25 years of service, having started operations in 2000 with a modest fleet of two aircraft.

The addition of the Airbus A330-200 represents a transformative step for the airline, allowing it to serve long-haul international destinations and expand its global footprint. The new aircraft features three cabin classes: Business Class with 18 seats, Premium Economy with 36 seats, and Economy Class with 210 seats, ensuring a comfortable experience for all travelers. The A330-200 will initially operate direct flights to three key cities in China—Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu—and the airline has plans to further expand its network to Europe and South Africa.

Speaking at the ceremony, Island Aviation Services’ Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Iyas, highlighted the importance of this achievement for the airline and the nation’s tourism sector. “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 strengthen our position as a global airline and significantly enhance the Maldives’ tourism sector,” he said. The enhanced connectivity is expected to attract more travelers, particularly from China, while also meeting the growing global demand for travel to the Maldives.

To celebrate this achievement, Maldivian hosted an airshow at Velana International Airport, featuring its current fleet, including Dash-8, DHC-6 Twin Otters, and ATR aircraft. Visible from Male’ and Hulhumalé, the airshow captivated spectators and reflected the airline’s pride in its growth. As part of the celebrations, Maldivian also announced a photo and videography competition offering exciting prizes, including 5-star resort stays and international flight tickets.

The festivities will continue on January 11 with a public event titled “Maldivian Haveeree Ufaa,” which will include interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and activities highlighting the airline’s achievements. This festival is designed to engage the community and foster a sense of pride and connection among the airline’s employees and the public as Maldivian embarks on this new chapter in its journey.