National airline Maldivian has reissued a call for proposals to lease its second wide-body aircraft, following the cancellation of an earlier announcement made in February this year.
The latest announcement from Island Aviation Services Limited, the parent company of Maldivian, states that the airline is now seeking to lease an Airbus A330 for a period of five years. Interested parties have until April 26 to submit their proposals.
The initial bid for a second wide-body aircraft, announced on February 6, was annulled due to technical complications, prompting the company to revise and relaunch the tender.
Maldivian’s push for a second wide-body aircraft follows the successful introduction of its first such aircraft on January 6. The plane, with a seating capacity of 264, currently operates direct routes to three major Chinese cities—Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. The move was a key electoral pledge of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu aimed at enhancing international connectivity and boosting tourism.
With the addition of a second wide-body aircraft, Island Aviation plans to expand its network further, with the goal of launching direct flights to European destinations. This strategic step is expected to significantly strengthen the Maldives’ presence in the European travel market, increasing tourist arrivals and contributing to the nation’s economic growth.
The airline’s expansion efforts come at a time of growing demand for direct long-haul travel to the Maldives, and officials say the new aircraft will play a vital role in meeting that demand and diversifying inbound markets.
