Maldivian Seeks to Expand Fleet with Boeing 787-8 Dry Lease

Boeing Flight Test & Evaluation, Boeing South Carolina, Flight Test, 787-10 Dreamliner, ZC001, First Flight, 03/31/2017

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, is taking steps to expand its fleet by issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the six-year dry lease of a single Boeing 787-8. This move follows an earlier dry-lease RFP for an Airbus A330-200, indicating the airline’s strategic push to augment its long-haul capacity.

The RFP specifies the need for a 787-8 configured with a minimum of 270 seats, including 15-20 seats in Business Class. Additionally, the aircraft should have a Maximum Take-Off Weight (MTOW) of 227 Tonnes and be capable of Extended-range Twin-engine Operational Performance Standards (ETOPS) of 180 minutes. While Maldivian has not specified a preferred age, hours, or cycles for the aircraft, the airline has indicated that newer airframes would be more favorably considered.

Maldivian aims to take delivery of the 787-8 by the second quarter of 2024, although it remains open to considering later delivery dates. The aircraft will operate out of the airline’s hub in Malé.

As part of the lease agreement, Maldivian also requires the lessor to provide a comprehensive training or support package to facilitate the smooth entry of the aircraft into service. Additionally, the airline prefers the lessor to include a spare engine at no extra cost, with a preference for the General Electric GEnx engine type, although the Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 is also acceptable.

Interested parties have until 1430 local time (0930Z) on January 25, 2024, to submit their bids. To participate in the RFP process, respondents must also send an expression of interest by completing and mailing an EOI form.

This initiative is part of a broader strategy, following a decision by President Mohamed Muizz to equip the state-owned carrier with two widebody aircraft to enhance its operations to Europe and China. According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, Maldivian’s current fleet includes a diverse mix of aircraft, ranging from the A320-200 to several ATR and De Havilland models, underlining its commitment to expanding and modernizing its fleet for international operations.