In a milestone for Maldives’ national carrier, Maldivian, the airline has launched its inaugural flight to Shanghai, marking the third Chinese destination in its expanding network. This follows the successful commencement of operations to Beijing and Chengdu earlier this month, signifying a strategic expansion into the Chinese market.
The inaugural flight departed with passengers eager to experience Maldivian’s newest wide-body Airbus A330-200. This aircraft, acquired as part of the airline’s long-haul expansion strategy, features 264 seats across three cabin classes: economy, business, and premium. The move aligns with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s electoral promise to enhance the national airline’s capabilities by introducing wide-body aircraft. Plans are also underway to acquire an additional A330 and establish direct connections with European destinations by October 2025.
With weekly flights to Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, Maldivian aims to enhance connectivity between the Maldives and China, a key tourism and trade partner. The airline’s introduction of direct flights is expected to contribute significantly to the revival of Chinese tourist arrivals, which plummeted during the pandemic. China was the Maldives’ largest source market for tourists prior to 2020.
Maldivian has announced promotional fares for its Chinese routes, offering tickets at 30% to 50% lower rates than current market prices. Travelers also enjoy perks such as a 40kg baggage allowance and complimentary in-flight meals. The inaugural flight to Shanghai is scheduled to return to the Maldives on Wednesday, offering passengers a premium travel experience aboard the state-of-the-art A330-200.
The addition of Shanghai to Maldivian’s network not only underscores the airline’s commitment to connecting the Maldives with key international markets but also supports broader national goals. By boosting tourism and trade, the expanded operations strengthen the Maldives’ position as a premier global destination.
As Maldivian continues to soar to new heights with its wide-body fleet, the launch of services to Shanghai represents a promising chapter in the airline’s growth story and the Maldives’ global connectivity.
