Maldivian Airlines has announced that its technical team is spearheading the preparations to introduce an Airbus A330 wide-body aircraft to the Maldives. The aircraft is scheduled to arrive on January 6, 2025, marking a significant milestone for the national carrier.
Ismail Athif, Senior Manager of Technical Strategy at Maldivian, shared that a team of engineers traveled to Lithuania to inspect the aircraft and assess its suitability for operations. Following a positive evaluation, the team began preparations in October.
By late November, the aircraft was moved to Singapore, where it is currently undergoing painting as part of its final preparations for service.
Deputy Managing Director Ali Saleem praised the dedication and expertise of Maldivian’s technical staff, noting that the entire process—from inspections in Lithuania to the ongoing work in Singapore—has been managed internally without external assistance.
Island Aviation Services, which operates Maldivian Airlines, highlighted the technical proficiency of its team, emphasizing their ability to handle the complex requirements of wide-body aircraft operations.
The Airbus A330 is expected to play a pivotal role in boosting tourism, with projections of an additional 60,000 visitors annually. To commemorate this milestone, Maldivian Airlines is planning special events on January 6, 2025, to celebrate the aircraft’s official launch into service.