Airlines Maldivian signs purchase agreement for its first ATR aircraft

Island Aviation Services Ltd, namely Maldivian, has signed a purchase agreement with European turboprop manufacturer ATR for a total of three aircraft. The flag-carrier will take delivery of two new ATR 72-600 and one smaller ATR 42-600.

The new fleet additions will help the airline with its fleet modernization program. The equipment currently used on flights to regional and short-haul flights has an average age of well over 20 years. It is also the first ATR order from Maldivian in the history of the carrier.

Mohamed Mihad, Managing Director of Maldivian, said: “We are pleased to take this next step in our expansion plans with ATR. We believe the new generation of ATR aircraft with the XT engines offer something we have been looking for in our fleet modernization, taking a step towards sustainability while keeping an eye on the operating costs as well as enhancing the cabin modernity and passenger comfort.”

Stefano Bortoli, ATR’s Chief Executive Officer, added: “Despite the current pandemic, operators are looking to the future, and this contract is a strong symbol of the resilience of the aviation sector. Our aircraft have proven their reliability by linking up the islands of many archipelagos for almost four decades; we welcome Maldivian as a new customer and we are proud to contribute sustainably to the modernization and expansion of the flag carrier of the Maldives.”

Deliveries for the three aircraft will commence this year. By ordering a mix of aircraft with different capacity, the operator has added flexibility in using specific aircraft on routes with specific demand. Furthermore, the turboprops are powered by modern PW127XT engines, which offer a reduction in fuel consumption and maintenance costs.

Furthermore, the airline has the opportunity to use Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) to make operations more environmentally sustainable. With the order, Maldivian is also contributing to the economic growth of the archipelago. With the aircraft, more frequencies and destinations can be offered for business travellers and leisure guests.

Maldivian has been the national airline of the Maldives for over 20 years, after being established in 2000. The current fleet consists of one Airbus A320 and one Airbus A321 for medium- to long-haul routes, and of one DHC-6 Twin Otter and 10 Dash 8 Turboprops.