Maldivian, the national airline, has acquired a King Air 360 aircraft to provide luxury transport services for tourists travelling to Maldivian resorts.
The aircraft was brought to the Maldives through a partnership between Maldivian and Nilaa Coral Island Resort. Nilaa Coral Island is a resort operated by Itaca Home Maldives in Gaafu Dhaalu Kodegalaa, which officially opened on October 12 with 20 rooms.
The King Air 360 model, designed and launched by Textron Aviation in 2020, has a seating capacity of eight passengers.
While the passenger capacity is comparable to that of the seaplanes typically used for resort transfers in the Maldives, the two types of aircraft are different.
The newly acquired King Air 360 features a pressurized cabin and is capable of flying at higher altitudes than seaplanes, with the added advantage of being able to operate night flights.
Maldivian stated that the aircraft will be used to transport guests to Nilaa Coral Island Resort. However, the airline noted that the plane will also be available for charter flights to various other destinations across the country.
