Maldivian seeks Boeing 787-8 lease for long-haul flights

Maldivian, the flag carrier, has put out a call for proposals to lease a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft, aiming to bolster its fleet for nonstop flights.

Island Aviation Services (IAS) issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) seeking a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner for a six-year lease. The anticipated delivery of the aircraft is targeted for the second quarter of this year.

Specifications outlined in the RFP indicate the need for an aircraft equipped with 270 seats, including a minimum of 15 to 20 Business class seats.

President Mohamed Muizzu recently greenlit plans to introduce two wide-body aircraft, enabling Maldivian to initiate nonstop direct flights to tourist destinations.

“These flights will operate a minimum of two or three times a week between select destinations and the Maldives,” stated an official release.

The President’s Office announced Maldivian’s intentions to offer nonstop direct flights to chosen areas in China, Europe, and South Africa. Emphasising China as a top priority, these routes align with the government’s Hafuthaa 14 roadmap.

Previously, Maldivian sought proposals in February to dry lease two A330-200 aircraft but hasn’t provided any updates since then.

Presently, Maldivian operates internationally only to destinations in India and Bangladesh. However, recent additions to its fleet include three ATR 72 aircraft designated for domestic flights.

The airline remains committed to expanding its fleet, eyeing a change in logo and branding. As of now, Maldivian’s fleet consists of one Airbus A320, three ATR aircraft, 10 Dash-8 aircraft, and eleven Twin Otter seaplanes.