The national airline, Maldivian, has signed an agreement to acquire two more ATR aircraft as part of its efforts to modernize its fleet.
Maldivian signed the agreement with France's ATR during the ongoing Singapore Airshow 2024 in Singapore.
Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas signed the agreement on behalf of Maldivian. Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen also attended the ceremony.
According to ATR, Maldivian will invest in two new ATR 42-600 aircraft. However, no date has been announced for the delivery of the aircraft.
Maldivian signed an agreement to purchase two new ATR 42-600 aircraft previously as well. The airline said one would arrive in April and the second would arrive next year.
The national airline already operates two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600 in its fleet. With the new agreements, the number of ATRs will increase to seven.
Maldivian is the airline that has the largest number of aircraft dedicated to domestic flights. However, the airline's fleet mostly has Dash-8 aircraft.
The production of Dash-8 aircraft has been discontinued. The Dash-8 aircraft in the Maldivian fleet are old and it is difficult to find spare parts, said the Island Aviation company which operates Maldivian.
Compared to the Dash-8, ATR aircraft is more fuel efficient with lower maintenance costs and is more environment friendly.
