Maldivian Airlines has reached a significant milestone with the addition of its first wide-body Airbus A330-200, marking a new chapter in the country’s aviation history. The official inauguration took place during a grand ceremony at Velana International Airport (VIA), where President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu hailed the event as a “historic day for the Maldives’ aviation sector.”
The event featured a low pass by the new aircraft, a ceremonial water salute, and the official reception of the flight crew. President Muizzu used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to expanding the national carrier’s fleet, announcing plans to operationalize a second wide-body aircraft by October.
In his speech, the President highlighted that the introduction of wide-body aircraft was a key pledge in his election campaign. “Today, we have delivered the first aircraft. By October, the second aircraft will be ready for operations,” he stated, emphasizing the government’s active efforts to strengthen aviation infrastructure and boost the tourism sector.
The Airbus A330-200, renowned for its safety and efficiency, has a capacity of 264 passengers across economy, business, and premium cabins. Maldivian plans to begin operations with the aircraft to three key Chinese cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu—this month.
President Muizzu underscored the significance of these upgrades for enhancing international connectivity, noting that the expansion of Maldivian’s operations is expected to significantly contribute to the growth of the tourism industry.
The introduction of wide-body aircraft reflects the administration’s commitment to modernizing the aviation sector and supporting national economic growth through enhanced international connectivity.
