The Maldives national carrier, Maldivian, is set to bring an additional 40,000 tourists from China annually following the introduction of its new wide-body Airbus A330-200 aircraft. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism Ibrahim Faisal during an interview on state media.
The new Airbus A330-200 was officially launched on 6 January, marking a significant upgrade to Maldivian’s fleet. With a seating capacity of 264 passengers across three cabin classes—economy, business, and premium—the aircraft is designed to enhance passenger comfort while meeting stringent safety standards. This acquisition fulfils a campaign pledge by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to add two wide-body aircraft to the national airline operated by Island Aviation Services Ltd.
Highlighting the significance of this addition, Minister Faisal described the aircraft acquisition as a milestone for the Maldives’ tourism sector. “For any country, the development and advancement of the national airline is a significant milestone,” he said, underscoring the importance of a robust national carrier in promoting tourism.
The Airbus A330-200 is widely recognised for its safety and reliability, featuring state-of-the-art engineering and compliance with the latest safety regulations. These enhancements are expected to provide passengers with a safer and more comfortable travel experience.
Scheduled operations on the new aircraft will begin on 21 January, starting with the Chengdu-Malé route. According to Minister Faisal, the new service is expected to significantly increase tourist arrivals from China, which was the top source market for Maldives tourism in 2024, contributing over 200,000 visitors.
In addition to Chengdu, Maldivian plans to expand its routes to include Beijing and Shanghai, further strengthening its connectivity with China. Minister Faisal described the airline’s efforts to capture this market as a major achievement, saying, “With the introduction of the current aircraft, an additional 40,000 Chinese tourists can be brought here. This is a significant achievement. Taking this risk is the biggest accomplishment.”
The expansion of Maldivian’s fleet and routes comes as the Maldives continues to position itself as a top destination for global travellers, with China playing a pivotal role in the country’s tourism strategy.
