The third brand new ATR for Maldivian is preparing to depart on the ferry flight to the Maldives.
In January 2022 National Airlines Maldivian placed an order for two ATR 72-600 series and one ATR 42-600 series turboprop aircraft. The Two 72-600s arrived in January 2023 and the third ATR is expected to arrive in the first week of April.
Maldivian is under a fleet overhaul as the carrier is planning to replace the entire Dash8 fleet with ATRs in the next few years. The long waited decision was made as the aging Dash8’s remain out of production by plane manufacturer De Havilland.
The total acquisition cost of the three aircraft is reportedly USD 60 million (MVR 925 million) which is paid through a loan. According to Maldivian Managing Director Mohamed Mihad; the airline will be adding 3 more ATRs by the end of 2023 for a total of 6 ATRs.
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