- Maldivian's operator IASL has invited proposals to lease up to two Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with deliveries targeted for late 2027 and early 2028.
- The airline seeks operating leases of six to 12 years for aircraft configured with two cabin classes, preferably eight business-class and 130 economy-class seats, based at Velana International Airport.
- Proposals will be evaluated on financial terms (45 per cent), technical suitability (40 per cent) and additional commercial conditions (15 per cent), with brokers and intermediaries excluded.
- IASL has set 15 October 2026 as the deadline for clarification requests.
Maldivian has invited proposals to lease up to two Airbus A220-300 aircraft, with deliveries targeted for late 2027 and early 2028, as the national airline moves to expand and modernise its fleet.
Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), Maldivian’s operator, issued the invitation on 11 October, according to an announcement published on the airline’s official website and a corresponding notice in the Government Gazette. The company is seeking operating leases for periods of six to 12 years.
Under the proposed schedule, the first aircraft is expected to arrive in the fourth quarter of 2027, followed by the second in the first quarter of 2028. Both aircrafts would be based at Velana International Airport (VIA).
The official announcement invites aircraft owners, operators, lessors, commercial banks, and financial institutions to submit proposals. Brokers and intermediaries are not eligible to participate.
IASL is seeking aircraft configured with two cabin classes and at least eight business-class seats, the request for proposals published through the Gazette details. Its preferred configuration comprises eight business-class seats and 130 economy-class seats.
The tender additionally sets out requirements concerning aircraft condition, delivery and commercial terms. IASL will assess submissions based on technical suitability, financial terms and additional commercial conditions.
Technical suitability accounts for 40 per cent of the evaluation, while financial terms carry a 45 per cent weighting. The remaining 15 per cent is allocated to additional commercial conditions.
The financial assessment will consider the net present value of lease-related cash flows, including rental payments, security deposits, induction costs, maintenance reserves and redelivery expenses.
The airline has also indicated a preference for proposals that include training support for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance personnel and flight dispatchers, as well as coverage of ferry costs to Velana International Airport. The tender further seeks rental relief if an aircraft is grounded by unforeseen major maintenance during the specified post-delivery period.
IASL has set 15 October 2026 at 2 p.m. as the deadline for submitting clarification requests. Responses are scheduled to be issued by 11:59 p.m. on 19 October.
Maldivian has previously expanded its Airbus operations, including the addition of an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft in January 2025. The proposed A220-300 leases are expected to add aircraft capacity to its fleet.
