Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, proudly inaugurated its first wide-body operations with the arrival of the  Airbus A330-200 today. This historic milestone marks a significant expansion for the airline, which began its journey in  2000 with a modest fleet of two aircraft. At the special event held at Velana International Airport to celebrate this  landmark achievement, the President of the Maldives, His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, graced the occasion with  his presence along with the Vice President, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, several government dignitaries including the  Minister of Tourism and CEO of Visit Maldives, and senior officials. The arrival of the Airbus A330-200 marks a historic  milestone for Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, as it embarks on its first wide-body operations. This  addition to the airline's fleet marks a significant milestone in its 25th year of service, expanding its capacity to connect  the Maldives with more international destinations and travellers worldwide. 

At the event, Island Aviation Services’ Managing Director, Mr. Ibrahim Iyas, emphasised the significance of the new  aircraft in the company’s growth strategy and its impact on the Maldives’ tourism industry. He stated, “With the  introduction of our very first wide-body aircraft, we are now poised to expand our international flight capacity, open  new routes, and connect the Maldives to long-haul destinations. This transformative step will not only strengthen our  position as a global airline but also play a pivotal role in boosting the Maldives’ tourism sector by making our islands  more accessible to travellers from around the world.” 

The new Maldivian A330-200 aircraft will offer three cabin classes, providing seating for 264 passengers. The aircraft  will feature 18 seats in Business Class, 36 in Premium Economy, and 210 in Economy Class, ensuring a comfortable  journey for all travellers. This aircraft will enable the launch of direct flights to three major cities in China: Beijing,  Shanghai and Chengdu, enhancing the global connectivity of the airline. This expansion is expected to provide a  substantial boost to the Maldives' tourism industry, attracting more visitors from China and beyond. 

With the introduction of the wide-body Airbus A330-200, Maldivian is set to significantly enhance its long-haul flight  capabilities. The increased passenger capacity and extended range of the new aircraft will allow the airline to better  serve its international routes and meet the growing demand for travel between the Maldives, China, and key tourist  destinations. 

An airshow featuring Maldivian's Dash-8, DHC-6 Twin Otters, and ATR aircraft was held at Velana International Airport  during the event, showcasing the airline's current fleet. The airshow was visible from various locations in Malé and  Hulhumalé. In addition, the airshow was followed by the announcement of an exciting photo and videography  competition. Participants have the chance to win exciting prizes, including 5-star resort stays and international and  domestic flight tickets. This airshow aimed to engage the community and celebrate the airline's milestone in a creative  and interactive way.

To continue the celebrations, a festival named “Maldivian Haveeree Ufaa” is being organized for the public on January  11th. With the full participation of the airlines’ staff, this event will feature interactive exhibits, live demonstrations,  and engaging activities designed to highlight the airline's offerings and achievements. The festival aims to foster a sense  of community and pride among the public and employees alike as the airline celebrates this significant milestone.