Maldivian has officially launched its new widebody Airbus A330 with its first flight to Chengdu, China, on 22 January. The inaugural flight arrived in Chengdu and was marked with a special cake-cutting ceremony on board, celebrating a new chapter in the airline’s international expansion. This milestone highlights Maldivian’s commitment to enhancing its connections with China and other international destinations.
On 23 January, the inaugural flight from Chengdu to the Maldives was warmly welcomed with traditional Boduberu beats and flowers, showcasing the renowned Maldivian hospitality. Passengers were treated to a distinctive cultural experience as they arrived in the Maldives.
The Airbus A330, which boasts 260 seats in Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes, is also equipped with 10 tonnes of cargo capacity and can fly long-haul without the need for transit. Along with Chengdu, the Airbus A330 will commence flights to Beijing and Shanghai. The introduction of the aircraft is expected to meet the growing demand for flights between China and the Maldives
This addition brings Maldivian’s fleet to 25 aircraft, and the airline plans to introduce another Airbus A330 later this year as part of its strategy to expand routes, including new direct flights to European cities. The aircraft’s first return flight from Chengdu carried 180 tourists, with a total of 192 passengers on board, reinforcing the strong demand for the new services.