Maldivian Enhances Air Fleet with Latest Addition of ATR Aircraft

Maldives, the country's flag carrier and top domestic airline, has added a second ATR to its fleet. Yesterday afternoon, a brand-new ATR42-600 aircraft touched down at Velana International Airport.

Also, the airline earlier this year received two ATR 72-600 series aircraft. A loan is being used to finance the alleged order for the turboprop aircraft, which was placed in January 2022 for a reported cost of USD 60 million (MVR 925 million).

In the next years, the airline will replace its outdated Dash8 fleet with ATRs as part of a fleet revamp, which includes the addition of these new aircraft. The De Havilland Dash8s are no longer being produced, hence the decision was made to switch to ATRs.

Maldivian will have a total of six ATR aircraft in its fleet after the third ATR arrives. By the end of 2023, the airline intends to add three more ATRs, which will improve the customer experience.

Maldivian is looking to expand its operations and provide its clients with more connection, so this fleet increase makes sense. Currently, the airline offers scheduled flights to 12 Maldives locations as well as overseas locations in South Asia and the Middle East. Maldivian aims to expand its network and enhance its offerings with the installation of more ATRs in order to satisfy the demands of its expanding customer base.