Maldivian adds fifth ATR to fleet

Maldivian, the national carrier of the Maldives, has added its fifth ATR aircraft to the fleet on Saturday.

The latest addition to Maldivian’s fleet touched down at Velana International Airport (VIA) on Saturday, June 7, and received a water salute upon landing. The Minister of Tourism, Thoriq Ibrahim along with the Managing Director of Maldivian, Ibrahim Iyas participated in welcoming the new aircraft.

While speaking at the ceremony, the Minister of Tourism said it was great to witness the continued expansion of the Maldives’ national carrier and said it would enhance domestic air connectivity and ease of travel for locals and tourists alike.

The newest inclusion to the fleet is an ATR 42-600 with a passenger capacity of 46. Previously during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, Maldivian added two ATR 72s in January 2023 and an ATR 42 later in April of the same year.

The fifth ATR to the fleet is the second addition since the current government took charge, as the airline’s first arrival was in May.

Maldivian is aiming to replace its older Dash-8 Twin Otters with the latest ATR models.