DALLAS – Velana International Airport-based (MLE) airline Maldivian (Q2) has taken delivery of an Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The airline commenced operations 25 years ago with a fleet of two aircraft and now has 24, including one A320, eight Dash 8 aircraft, eleven DHC-6 Twin Otters, and four ATRs.
Maldivian is owned and operated by its parent company, Island Aviation Services. Mr. Ibrahim Iyas, the Managing Director of Island Aviation Services, said the new aircraft would facilitate Q2’s growth strategy and impact the Maldives’ tourism industry.
“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 travelers from around the world.” Iyas said.
Facilitating Route Development
The addition of the Airbus A330-200 positions Q2 to meet the growing demand for travel between the Maldives and its tourism source markets. The introduction of the wide-body aircraft will enhance Q2’s long-haul flight capabilities.
In addition, the aircraft's passenger capacity and extended range will allow Q2 to serve international routes better and meet the growing demand for travel between the Maldives and key tourist destinations.
The addition of the aircraft will enable Q2 to grow its global connectivity. The airline aims to launch direct flights to three major destinations in China. It will offer scheduled flights to Beijing (BJS), Shanghai (SHA), and Chengdu (CTU).
This network expansion is expected to substantially boost the Maldives’ tourism industry, attracting more visitors from China.
The airline also plans to expand its services to key destinations in Europe and South Africa. The Airbus A330-200 will offer three classes, seating up to 264 passengers. The aircraft will feature 18 seats in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy, and 210 in Economy Class.
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February 2025
