Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, is soliciting proposals for up to two Airbus A220-300 aircraft. Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL) has invited eligible aircraft owners, lessors, and financing entities to submit proposals. The delivery of the aircraft is expected in the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028. The proposed acquisition will help the carrier serve regional markets with more efficiency. The Airbus A220-300 could help supplement the airline’s existing fleet offerings and bolster the region’s air connectivity with global travel markets.
Maldivian Targets Aircraft Deliveries in 2027 and 2028
Under the proposed leasing plan, Maldivian is looking to acquire up to two Airbus A220-300 aircraft under long-term operating lease agreements. The initial aircraft delivery is expected in the fourth quarter of 2027, with the second aircraft in the first quarter of 2028. The proposed lease term will stretch between six to 12 years. The aircraft will have a two-class configuration and carry 138 passengers, with eight seats in Business Class and 130 seats in Economy Class. The aircraft will be powered by the Pratt & Whitney PW1500G geared turbofan engines. The airline’s request for proposals asked eligible bidders to deliver bids by the end of October, as per the supplied report.
Airbus A220-300 to Complement Existing Fleet
The Airbus A220-300 will fill the middle seat in terms of capacity in Maldivian’s current aircraft fleet. While bigger than its turboprops, it will offer an alternative to its narrowbody and widebody aircraft. The airline currently operates smaller DHC-6 Twin Otter, ATR 42/72, Dash 8, Airbus A320, and Airbus A330 aircraft for its domestic and international operations. The A220-300 is a short- and medium-haul aircraft that promises to be a leader in terms of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
As per the supplied report, the economy class has a 3-2 seat pitch that offers more room per passenger than the usual narrowbody aircraft. The A220 programme offers to cut carbon emissions per seat by up to 40% compared with the previous generation aircraft, although the actual saving will depend on the operating conditions and the seat configuration.
Potential to Strengthen Regional Air Connectivity
The proposed acquisition of two Airbus A220-300 aircraft could enable the airline to open up more regional air routes for South Asia and other nearby international markets. The potential destinations identified in the supplied report include India, Sri Lanka, and the Middle East, although the specific details on the proposed flight routes and schedules have not been confirmed in the report. For the Maldives, with tourism as one of its primary industries, such developments in the airline industry could impact the country’s ability to offer air connectivity to the international markets.
If the proposed leases are successful and the aircraft are deployed on additional international services, they could help the airline capitalise on passenger demand and its regional operating options. The leasing initiative will be a proposed fleet expansion for Maldivian, with the delivery dependent on the outcome of the procurement process and subsequent arrangements. The formal confirmation of the tender terms, final selection of the aircraft, and proposed route network will enable a better assessment of the programme’s implications for Maldivian aviation and tourism.
