Maldives national airline, Maldivian has launched direct flights to Chinese capital Beijing after inaugurating its wide-body operations to Chengdu earlier this week.
Maldivian commenced long-haul operations to China with its newest acquisition, the wide-body Airbus A330-200. The inaugural flight to Chengdu was successfully held on 21 January with 52 passengers including 32 tourists.
Chinese tourists holidaying in the Maldives had flown back home on Maldivian’s inaugural flight to Beijing with the first tourist receiving a special welcome at the time of check-in to mark the occasion.
In conjunction with the introduction of the Airbus A330-200, Maldivian has announced a special promotional fare. According to Maldivian, promotional fares are 30% to 50% lower than current fare rates in China. Passengers would also get 40kg baggage allowance and in-flight meals on the special fare.
The new Airbus A330-200, with a seating capacity of 264 passengers, offers three cabin classes: economy, business, and premium. The acquisition fulfils an electoral commitment by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu to introduce two wide-body aircraft for Island Aviation Services Ltd., the operator of Maldivian. The government also plans to acquire an additional wide-body aircraft and initiate flights to European destinations by October this year.
The commencement of direct flights to China is expected to boost tourist arrivals and trade between the two countries.