Maldivian faces setbacks in acquiring second widebody aircraft due to ‘ongoing global situation’

The national airline, Maldivian, states it is facing setbacks in acquiring a second widebody aircraft to add to its fleet due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as well as wider industry constraints.

Bringing in widebody aircrafts to enhance the national airline’s long-haul flight capabilities was an electoral pledge President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made during his 2023 presidential campaign.

Maldivian introduced its first widebody aircraft—an Airbus A330-200—in January last year. Back then, President Muizzu said the airline would be adding a second widebody aircraft to its fleet in October of last year.

However, the airline has yet to procure one.

Responding to a query sent by Sun last week, a spokesperson from Maldivian said on Sunday that the airline was exploring the availability of suitable widebody aircraft in the market.

But the spokesperson said that availability remained limited due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as well as wide aviation industry constraints.

“Availability remains limited due to the ongoing global situation and wider industry constraints,” said the spokesperson.

“The process is ongoing, and we continue to assess the available options to identify an aircraft that meets our operational requirements.”

Maldivian had issued announcements twice last year, seeking proposals to procure a widebody aircraft to add to its fleet.

The airline has been using its 264-passenger Airbus A330-200 for direct flights to three Chinese cities, Beijing, Shanghai and Chengdu, as well as to Australia’s Melbourne.

The addition of more widebody aircrafts to the national airline’s fleet is seen as crucial to boosting tourist arrivals from long-haul markets.