Maldivian to lease Boeing 787-8 aircraft
President Muizzu has recently decided to introduce two wide-body aircraft to start nonstop direct flights by flag carrier.
Flag carrier Maldivian on Tuesday invited proposals to dry lease a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.
According to the Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by Island Aviation Services (IAS):
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The aircraft is sought for six years
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Expected delivery is the second quarter of the year
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Must have a a total of 270 seats
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Must have at least 15-20 Business class seat
President Mohamed Muizzu has recently decided to introduce two wide-body aircraft to start nonstop direct flights by flag carrier Maldivian to tourist destinations.
"There will be a minimum of two or three weekly direct flights between the vicinity and the Maldives," the statement read.
In a statement, the President's Office had said Maldivian will offer nonstop direct flights to select regions of China, Europe, and South Africa. China's destinations have been identified as the top priorities of the project, it added.
The introduction of wide-body aircraft operations for the national airline is a key component of the government's Hafuthaa 14 roadmap or the first 100-day pledges.
Flag carrier Maldivian had in February invited proposals to dry lease two A330-200 aircraft for the airline. However, no updates have been given since then.
Maldivian's international operations currently include destinations in India and Bangladesh only.
Maldivian has also recently brought in three ATR 72 aircraft for use in domestic flights.
The airline is in the process of adding new planes to its fleet and plans to change its logo and branding.
Maldivian's existing fleet:
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1 Airbus A320 aircraft
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3 ATR aircraft
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10 Dash8 aircraft
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11 Twin Otter seaplanes
