The national airline, Maldivian, has signed an agreement to purchase two new DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft from Canadian manufacturer De Havilland.
Maldivian is the first airline to order the latest-generation Twin Otter Classic 300-G.
The agreement was signed by Maldivian’s Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas on behalf of the airline, while De Havilland’s Vice President of Sales for Asia Pacific and Middle East, Yogesh Gard, signed the agreement on behalf of the company.
According to Maldivian, Twin Otter aircraft are important to Maldives tourism, transporting tourists from Velana International Airport to resorts and other destinations across the country.
The Classic 300-G aircraft are designed for the Maldivian environment, with modern avionics, easier maintenance and reduced weight. The lighter aircraft can carry more passengers and baggage while reducing operating costs. Maldivian said the aircraft will expand and strengthen its seaplane fleet, which currently has 11 Twin Otters.
According to Iyas, the new aircraft are expected to increase Maldivian’s capacity to serve resorts and islands, including allowing the airline to expand to new destinations. He said Maldivian’s seaplane operation began with two aircraft in 2014 and has since grown into a major transport service for the tourism industry. He added that this is the first time a Twin Otter is being added to Maldivian’s fleet since 2018. He noted that as the aircraft are designed to be suitable for the Maldives’ environment, they require no further modifications for use in the Maldives.