The Maldivian carrier and ATR have signed an agreement to purchase two new ATR 42-600s, the Italian-French manufacturer announced.
The aircraft, powered by Pratt & Whitney’s PW127XT engines, will join another ATR 42-600 and two ATR 72-600s recently received by Maldivian.
According to ATR, the two new turboprops will replace old aircraft currently in service. Although it did not mention the model, Maldivian operates a fleet of nine very old Dash 8s, with more than 20 years in service.
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“We introduced our first two ATR aircraft into our fleet in January 2023, and our passengers already praise the comfort and modernity of their cabin, as well as the reliability of the services we are providing,” said Mohamed Mihad, Managing Director of Maldivian.
“Having a mixed fleet of both ATR 42-600 and 72-600 will offer Maldivian flexibility, reliability, comfort, and profitability on the smallest routes. Maldivian’s passengers will benefit from state-of-the-art aircraft, providing responsible and affordable connectivity for many years to come” said Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR.
Maldivian was founded in 2000, but only started flying in 2008 as a private airline. The following year, the government took over all of its shares.
The airline’s fleet comprises, in addition to the Dash 8, DHC-6 and ATR turboprops, a single Airbus A320, which is used on routes to southern India and Bangladesh.
