Maldivian Airlines' new widebody Airbus A330 has set off on its first flight to Chengdu, China, last night.
The airline said ticket sales have become popular for this route, with growing demand from passengers traveling from Chengdu to Maldives.
Island Aviation Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas said that 70 percent of the seats have already been booked, and expressed confidence that the flights will operate at full capacity.
Iyas said that the flight to Chengdu carried some passengers last night, and highlighted the demand for Maldivian Airlines' flights to China.
Return tickets to the Airbus A330’s first destination, Chengdu, is priced at USD 688 (MVR 10,610). Additional routes include Beijing, starting January 24, with return tickets priced at USD 788 (MVR 12,151), and Shanghai, beginning January 27, at USD 777 (MVR 11,981).
The Airbus A330 is equipped with 260 seats across Business, Premium Economy, and Economy classes. It also boasts a cargo capacity of 10 tonnes and can undertake long-haul flights without transit. Each passenger is allowed 40 kg of baggage.
With the addition of the Airbus A330, Maldivian's fleet now consists of 25 aircraft. The airline is planning to introduce another Airbus A330 later this year and is preparing to launch direct flights to European cities as well.