Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen announced that Maldivian’s first wide-body aircraft will commence its inaugural flight to Chengdu, China, on the 21st of this month. Speaking to state media PSM, Ameen confirmed that preparations for the scheduled flight are underway, highlighting the necessary training and preparations required for the crew operating the new aircraft.
The wide-body aircraft will initially serve three Chinese cities: Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu. An air show was held yesterday evening to celebrate the arrival of this new addition to the fleet. Designed for long-haul travel, the aircraft can accommodate 275 passengers.
The agreement to acquire wide-body aircraft, aimed at expanding Maldivian’s operations, was signed on July 26 last year. The Airbus A330-200 models being introduced can cover distances up to 13,000 kilometers and offer three times the capacity of narrow-body planes.
Minister Ameen previously emphasized that integrating wide-body aircraft is crucial for Maldivian’s expansion strategy. He disclosed that Maldivian Airlines plans to introduce two such aircraft to facilitate flights to seven new international destinations.
