Summary
- Maldivian is phasing out less efficient aircraft to minimize emissions and improve sustainability.
- The latest ATR addition offers greater passenger comfort, lower noise levels, and improved fuel economy.
- The government-owned Maldivian airline is on a path to modernize its fleet with new ATR aircraft and expanding its network.
In today’s world, airlines that operate in ecologically sensitive areas need to be mindful of their carbon footprint and minimize aircraft emissions, which is certainly the case for Maldivian, the national airline of the Republic of Maldives. This month, the airline added its fourth ATR turboprop as it phases out its older and less efficient De Havilland Dash 8 aircraft.
Building a fleet of ATRs
Maldivian is the brand of government-owned Island Aviation Services, established in 2000 and based in Male, the capital of the Maldives. The latest addition to Maldivian’s fleet of 25 aircraft, the fourth ATR turboprop to join, is an ATR 42-600 now operating along with another ATR 42-600 and two ATR 72-600s.
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The latest addition arrived on May 8 after a two-day ferry flight from ATR’s base in Toulouse, France, that included stops in Greece, Egypt and Oman. The ATR 42-600, registered as 8Q-IAW and manufacturer serial number 1601, departed Toulouse Blagnac Airport (TLS) on Monday, May 6 at 10:49 and, after a 4:12 hour flight, landed in Greece at Heraklion International Airport (HER) at 16:01.
After an overnight stopover in Greece, the aircraft departed Heraklion on Tuesday at 08:08 and flew a short hop of 2:36 hours to land in Egypt at Hurghada International Airport (HRG) at 10:44. The quick transit of around one hour suggests it was just for refueling as the ATR 42 departed at 11:56 on a 4:38 hour sector to Oman, landing at Muscat International Airport (MCT) at 17:34.
Photo: ATR
After a night in the Gulf of Oman, the crew was back at work in the cockpit to take off at 10:30 and fly directly home to Male Velana International Airport (MLE), landing to a warm and enthusiastic reception at 17:06 on Wednesday, May 8. A special ceremony was held at the airport and attended by distinguished guests, officials, and key partners to commemorate the occasion.
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An airline on the move
Maldivian Managing Director Ibrahim Lyas said the airline has made great strides toward achieving operational excellence and a greater passenger experience by adding another ATR that offers an unprecedented level of comfort “thanks to improved interior humidity control and much lower noise levels.”
“Modern avionics and exceptional fuel economy further support our dedication to sustainability while maximizing performance throughout our expanding network. We are pleased to welcome this cutting-edge aircraft and are optimistic that it will improve connectivity and reliability of our service across the Maldives.”
Photo: ATR
The Maldivian fleet of 25 aircraft includes two ATR 42-600s (46 seats), two ATR 72-600s (70), one Airbus A320-200 (152), seven De Havilland Dash 8-300s (50), two De Havilland Dash 8-200s (37) and 11 Twin Otter seaplanes with 15 seats. The four ATRs are less than two years old, and the airline will phase out the Dash-8s and the Twin Otters as it works on modernizing its fleet.
As the airline’s owners, the government is keen to expand air travel options in the Maldives, and Maldivian is a key part of enhancing the nation’s aviation infrastructure. It has chosen the ATRs as they are ideal for the short domestic sectors that dominate everyday routes, leaving the Airbus A320 to operate internationally to Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin, Bangalore, and Dhaka in India and Bangladesh.