Maldives' national airline, Maldivian, has launched direct flights to Beijing, marking its second long-haul destination in China following the successful inaugural flight to Chengdu on January 21.
Maldivian commenced wide-body operations with its newly acquired Airbus A330-200, carrying 52 passengers, including 32 tourists, on the Chengdu flight. The inaugural flight to Beijing also carried Chinese tourists returning home, with the first passenger receiving a special welcome at check-in.
To celebrate the launch, Maldivian has announced special promotional fares, offering 30% to 50% discounts on current China-bound fares. Passengers booking under this promotion will enjoy 40kg baggage allowance and complimentary in-flight meals.
The 264-seater Airbus A330-200 offers three cabin classes: economy, business, and premium. The aircraft acquisition fulfills President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral pledge to introduce two wide-body aircraft for Island Aviation Services Ltd., with plans to add another wide-body aircraft and launch European routes by October 2025.
The expansion of direct flights to China is expected to strengthen tourism and trade ties between the Maldives and China.