Maldivian releases ageing jet ahead of new A321LR lease
The existing A321 has been sent to an MRO facility for repairs based and to assess its condition before returning it to the lessor.
Maldivian has released its sole Airbus-A321, the largest aircraft in its fleet, as the Maldives' flag carrier expects to lease a newer A321 model early next year.
Maldivian leased a 200-seater Airbus-A321 on 20 January 2015.
The aircraft was mainly used for flights to China. However, Maldivian has suspended flights to China due to the ban on tourist arrivals from China.
Maldivian had in September announced plans to return the aircraft once its lease expires in March 2023 citing high maintenance costs due to it being an old model and unable to use it for some direct long-haul flights.
Mohamed Mihad, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services Limited (IAS) which operates Maldives, told Atoll Times on Thurdday that the A321 has been sent to an MRO facility for repairs based and to assess its condition before returning it to the lessor.
Meanwhile, IAS had in October invited proposals to lease A321LR aircraft.
According to the announcement, the priority would be to find a new or newer A321LR, which had been in commercial service since 2018.
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The aircraft should have economy class and business class seats
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At least 12 seats in business class
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The lease is for eight years
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The lessor will have to deliver the aircraft in the first or second quarter of next year
The application window is open till November 25.
Maldivian's fleet:
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1 Airbus 321 (being returned)
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1 Airbus 320
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8 Dash 8-300
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2 Dash 8-200
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11 DHC-6 Twin Otter seaplanes
In September, IAS's deputy managing director Aishath Jennifer had said the new aircraft lease had been decided based on findings of Maldivian's research to operate long-haul flights. She had said the airline had been exploring destinations in Europe and Russia.
