Maldivian Seeks A330-200 for Five-Year Lease in Bid for European and Chinese Routes

Maldivian (Q2, Malé) is venturing into the widebody aircraft segment, issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the five-year dry-lease of a single A330-200. The move follows President Mohamed Muizz’s recent decision to equip the state-owned carrier with two widebody aircraft, signaling an expansion into long-haul routes to Europe and China.

The A330-200 sought by Maldivian should be configured in a two-class layout, accommodating at least 235 passengers, with a minimum of 20 business class seats. The airline prefers Wi-Fi-equipped aircraft certified for 180-minute ETOPS operations, weighing no less than 230 tonnes at maximum take-off. Both Rolls-Royce Trent 700 and General Electric CF6 engine options will be considered. The chosen aircraft must be delivered fresh from a C Check, with no planned major maintenance events for at least the next 24 months, 9,000 flight hours, or 5,000 flight cycles, whichever is limiting.

While Maldivian did not specify the preferred age, hours, or cycles of the airframe, newer aircraft will be awarded more points in the evaluation. The lease term is initially set at five years, but the airline is open to other offers.

To enhance the feasibility of potential lessors, the carrier expects the lessor to provide training for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance, and ground handling specialists at their own expense. Additionally, preference will be given to lessors capable of providing a spare engine at no extra cost.

Bids for the A330-200 lease are due by January 22, 2024, with the carrier aiming to select the lessor by February 10, 2024. The chosen A330 will be based in Malé, the primary international gateway to the Maldives.

As Maldivian expands its fleet to include widebody aircraft, the move marks a significant strategic shift for the airline, aligning with its plans to explore long-haul destinations in Europe and China. Stay tuned for updates on the selection and deployment of Maldivian’s new A330-200.