Maldivian Airlines to Begin China Routes in 2025
Maldivian Airlines (Q2, Malé), the national carrier of the Maldives, is preparing to launch long-haul flights in 2025 with its first Airbus A330-200. The airline announced its plans during the World Travel Market in London, revealing that direct routes to major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai Pudong, and Chengdu, will be among the first destinations. This expansion aligns with the Maldivian government’s initiative to strengthen tourism by establishing direct long-haul connections worldwide.
According to a government statement, the project aims to support the country’s tourism sector by attracting more international visitors. China, a significant source of tourists for the Maldives, is strategically included in the expansion to enhance accessibility for travelers and boost tourism revenue.
Maldivian’s entry into long-haul services is backed by a lease agreement with TrueNoord for a 14.16-year-old A330-200, previously operated by Airhub Airlines (RE, Malta International) and currently stored in Siauliai. Registered as 9H-PAX (msn 1161), this A330-200 is expected to join Maldivian’s fleet by the final quarter of 2024. The aircraft will play a key role in expanding Maldivian’s international network, providing opportunities for both tourism and trade, according to Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas.
The A330-200 will join a diverse fleet comprising an A320-200, two ATR42-600s, two ATR72-600s, eleven DHC-6-300s, one DHC-8-200, one DHC-8-Q200, and seven DHC-8-Q300s. While Maldivian primarily serves domestic routes across the Maldives, the airline also operates flights to Colombo, Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Bengaluru, and Dhaka. Adding long-haul capabilities with the A330-200 enables Maldivian to tap into the Chinese market, where several carriers, including Capital Airlines, Sichuan Airlines, China Eastern, and Xiamen Airlines, already operate flights to Malé.
With the new A330-200, Maldivian is set to offer a direct and convenient travel option for Chinese tourists, supporting the Maldivian government’s broader goal to attract international visitors and enhance economic growth through tourism. The airline’s long-haul expansion reflects a strategic step to establish stronger global connections while reinforcing the Maldives’ position as a premier travel destination.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com