Maldivian Airlines starts Male-to-Chennai service

Carrier will use Airbus A320 aircraft to fly passengers between these two airports

Maldivian Airlines, the national carrier of the Maldives, has launched its first commercial flight from Male to Chennai, for which it will be using an Airbus A320 plane. The airline is a new operator of Airbus single aisle aircraft, which will be operated under a leasing agreement.

The aircraft, which is powered by CFM56 engines, was previously handed over at Ibrahim Nasir International Airport, Maldives, in October 2012. Its interior has been specifically modified to accommodate a three-class configuration: 14 business, 18 premium and 120 economy seats, according to company's release.

This entry into service of our first A320 signifies will be increasing the expansion of Maldivian in the region, commented Abdul Haris, Managing Director of Maldivian. “We will start our A320 operations with direct flights to Mumbai, Chennai and Dhaka, much-anticipated routes for our customers.”

John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer, Customers added the Aircraft is fuel consumption and eco-efficient credentials make it the ideal match for the Maldives, an island nation which sets high standards for environmental responsibility.

The A320 Family is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. The aircraft feature the latest technology available today, the widest and most comfortable cabin, and the highest degree of operational commonality. With 99.8% reliability and extended servicing intervals, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single-aisle aircraft today. More than 5,300 A320 Family aircraft are in airline operation around the world today with over 370 customers and operators. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world-wide standard wide-body system.

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