Maldivian to become first local airline to fly Twin Otter Classic 300-G

The national airline, Maldivian, has signed a letter of intent with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited to purchase two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft.

The agreement was signed on Wednesday on the sidelines of the Farnborough Airshow.

Maldivian noted the agreement marks the first order for the Twin Otter Classic 300-G in the Maldives, the world’s largest Twin Otter operating market.

The Twin Otter has been the backbone of Maldives tourism for decades, carrying guests from Male’ to resorts and islands across the archipelago.

Maldivian believes the Classic 300-G will strengthen Maldivian’s seaplane operations, delivering visitors directly to destinations where no land runway exists.

“We are proud that Maldivian will be the first airline in the Maldives to introduce the Twin Otter Classic 300- G,” said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian.

“The seaplane transfer is where the Maldives holiday begins, and our operation depends on this aircraft every day. This newest generation will allow us to continue providing the dependable service our guests and resort partners expect, while benefiting from the aircraft’s latest technological and operational enhancements.”

Ilyas believes this to be a good investment that will enhance customer experience and strengthen the airline’s capacity.

“This is an investment in the guest experience, in the resorts we serve and in the island communities that rely on us,” he said.

“It strengthens our capacity, improves comfort on board, and reinforces our commitment to connecting the Maldives safely and reliably.”

Ryan DeBrusk, Vice President of Sales for De Havilland Canada, noted that the Maldives has long been known as the home of the Twin Otter.

“As the largest Twin Otter market in the world, there is no better place to introduce the next generation of this legendary aircraft. We are proud that Island Aviation Services Limited will become the first operator in the country to bring the Twin Otter Classic 300-G into service, reinforcing a partnership that has connected the islands and their communities for generations,” he said.

The Classic 300-G retains the short takeoff and landing performance that operations in the Maldives depend on, while introducing modern avionics, enhanced passenger comfort and improved maintainability.

Significant weight reduction creates additional capacity for passengers and baggage, strengthening the operating economics of the fleet.

With more than 1,000 aircraft produced and millions of flight hours accumulated worldwide, the Twin Otter remains the world’s premier utility aircraft, operating from Arctic communities to tropical island destinations.

Nowhere has its impact been greater than in the Maldives, where it has become the standard for safe, dependable island transportation.