The national airline, Maldivian, has added a fifth ATR aircraft to its fleet as part of ongoing efforts to expand and modernise its operations.
The latest addition is a 46-seat ATR 42-600 variant. The aircraft landed in the Maldives at 4:00 pm on Saturday. The aircraft made a ceremonial low pass flight over the runway before landing at Velana International Airport, where it received a traditional water salute.
A special ceremony was held at Vela an International Airport to mark the occasion, attended by by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, Maldivian’s Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas, and senior officials from Maldivian’s operator, Island Aviation Service Limited, Maldives Airports Company Limited and Maldives Immigration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Thoriq said the government is working hard to bring modernise Maldivian. He stated that the government hopes to launch long-haul flights later this year.
"Maldivian is already operating direct flights to three regions across the Maldives. The airline is also working with the government to launch flights to popular destinations such as Europe. If we can continue to work with this same momentum, we are confident we can reach our target of welcoming 2.3 million tourists this year,” the Minister said.
Speaking at the event, Maldivian’s Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas said the new aircraft will enhance the airline's operations and improve passenger experience.
"Our technical reliability will greatly improved with this brand-new aircraft. At the same time, we will also be able to significantly improve on-time performance. This aircraft features the most advanced cabin technologies, and therefore, the passenger experience will be greatly improved, Iyas said.
Speaking to PSM News, Maldivian’s Chief Pilot for Dash-8 and ATR, Abdulla Nafiz stated that the new ATR is a huge step forward for the airline.
"I am very happy to have played a part in bringing this aircraft home. I believe it is an important milestone in the company's progress,” he stated.
Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft. These include a wide-body Airbus A330, a narrow-body Airbus A320, four ATRs, nine Dash-8s, and 11 Dash-6 twin-otter aircraft.
The government aims to expand its services to new international destinations, and is working to acquire additional wide-body aircraft to the national airline, in line with President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s pledges.