Maldivian, the national carrier of Maldives, has recently initiated a wide-body project to expand its long-haul routes to destinations such as China and Europe.
Today following the cabinet meeting, the President's Chief spokesperson Mr Mohamed Shahyb said financial agreements have been facilitated to Island Aviation Services in order to commence wide body operations.
Mr Shahyb further added that flights to China is of top priority and that agreements have been met with Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL) to prove lower fuel charges, parking fees, and handling and navigation fees in order to assist Maldivian in launching this operation.
Earlier this year in February Maldivian sought proposals to dry lease two Airbus A330-200s for a period of six years. At present the carrier operates with a single narrow-body Airbus A320 which limits both the number of passengers carried and operatable routes.
The addition of wide-body aircraft would immensely boost Maldivian's capacity to reach additional destinations and compete with existing operators in the competitive international airline market.