The Maldives’ national airline, Maldivian, announced its new routes to China, which will start in January 2025, during an exclusive launch event in Beijing in cooperation with partners. The event, which marked the airline’s launch of A330-200 wide-body aircraft, brought together important players from China and the Maldives, encouraging cooperation and fortifying connections between the two countries to advance the travel and tourist industries.
Leading travel agencies, business leaders, and media partners attended this launch event, which was honored by the attendance of Capt. Mohamed Ameen, Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation. The occasion emphasized the new lines’ strategic significance as well as their capacity to stimulate business and tourism travel from the Chinese market.
The Minister emphasized the importance of this milestone in his remarks at the event: “The launch of these new routes with A330 wide-body aircraft is a testament to the strong partnership between the Maldives and China. China has been a key tourism market for us, and these flights will strengthen connectivity, foster collaboration, and contribute to the growth of our tourism sector.”
“With the introduction of the A330-200, we are thrilled to announce the launch of direct flights from Malé to Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi’an. These routes will offer enhanced comfort, convenience, and efficiency for our passengers. We have tailored our onboard experience to cater to the preferences of Chinese travellers, including Mandarin-speaking crew and personalised catering and services. This route is a significant milestone as we deepen the connections between the Maldives and China,” stated during his introductory remarks at the ceremony by Mr. Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services.
A presentation emphasizing the new route’s strategic significance and potential to increase business and tourism trips from this area was part of the roadshow. The occasion also demonstrated the longer range and higher passenger capacity of the next generation of wide-body aircraft, which will significantly improve Maldivian’s capability for long-haul travel. With a fleet of 24 aircraft now in operation – including one A320, eight Dash 8 aircraft, eleven DHC-6 Twin Otters, and four ATRs – Maldivian is putting itself in a position to satisfy the rising demand for travel between the Maldives and important locations throughout the world.
