Maldivian Adds Fifth ATR Aircraft as Part of Fleet Expansion
Maldivian welcomes its fifth ATR aircraft, expanding the national airline’s fleet | Photo: Ministry of Tourism and Environment
The national airline, Maldivian, has expanded its fleet with the addition of a fifth ATR aircraft, strengthening ongoing efforts to modernise and improve its operations.
The newly acquired ATR 42-600 variant, which has a seating capacity of 46, arrived in the Maldives at 4:00 pm on Saturday.
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A hearty congratulations to @MaldivianAirlines for another great stride in connectivity! Minister Thoriq Ibrahim was chief guest at the celebration welcoming the 5th ATR plane to their fleet. pic.twitter.com/bmTw9uRMfM— Ministry of Tourism and Environment (@MoTmv) June 7, 2025
Upon arrival, the aircraft performed a ceremonial low pass over the runway before landing at Velana International Airport, where it was welcomed with a traditional water salute. A special ceremony was held at the airport to mark the occasion, attended by the Minister of Tourism and Environment, Thoriq Ibrahim, along with senior representatives from Island Aviation Services Limited, Maldives Airports Company Limited, Maldives Immigration, and Maldivian’s management.
The addition of the new aircraft is part of a broader government initiative to modernise the national airline and expand its reach. During the ceremony, Minister Thoriq stated that the government is committed to strengthening Maldivian’s fleet and operational capabilities. He highlighted plans to introduce long-haul flights later this year, aligning with the government’s broader tourism targets, including the goal of welcoming 2.3 million visitors in 2025.
Maldivian’s Managing Director, Ibrahim Iyas, noted that the arrival of the aircraft would enhance the airline’s technical reliability and on-time performance. He also pointed out that the ATR 42-600 model includes advanced cabin features designed to improve passenger comfort and experience.
The airline’s Chief Pilot for Dash-8 and ATR operations, Abdulla Nafiz, described the delivery as a significant step forward for Maldivian, calling it a milestone in the company’s development.
With the new arrival, Maldivian now operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, comprising one wide-body Airbus A330, one narrow-body Airbus A320, five ATRs, nine Dash-8s, and 11 Dash-6 Twin Otters.
