Agreements

ATR to deliver ATR 42-600 jets for Maldivian fleet upgrade

ATR to deliver ATR 42-600 jets for Maldivian fleet upgrade.
These new ATR 42-600s will join Maldivian's existing regional fleet, which includes two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600, and will serve to replace older-generation turboprop aircraft.

These new ATR 42-600s will join Maldivian’s existing regional fleet, which includes two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600, and will serve to replace older-generation turboprop aircraft.

Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has placed a firm order for two ATR 42-600 aircraft with ATR, the world’s leading regional aircraft manufacturer. These new ATR 42-600s will join Maldivian’s existing regional fleet, which includes two ATR 72-600s and one ATR 42-600, and will serve to replace older-generation turboprop aircraft. The ATR 42-600s are known for their high efficiency, powered by PW127XT engines, and feature spacious and appealing cabins. These modern aircraft will enable Maldivian to provide reliable and affordable connectivity to the various communities and businesses in the Maldives. This not only contributes to the economic dynamism of the Maldives but also aligns with efforts to reduce emissions.

Mohamed Mihad, Managing Director, Maldivian said, “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. As the benchmark in regional aviation, both in terms of financial efficiency and CO2 emissions, the ATR -600 series represents a valuable asset for us to achieve responsible growth while providing quick access to essential services and preserving destinations for the archipelago’s residents and tourists.”

Nathalie Tarnaud Laude, Chief Executive Officer of ATR, highlighted that Maldivian’s decision to invest in ATR aircraft, which are the lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, aligns with the airline’s commitment to responsible growth. A mixed fleet of ATR 42-600s and ATR 72-600s will provide Maldivian with flexibility, reliability, comfort, and profitability on its smaller routes, ultimately benefiting passengers with state-of-the-art aircraft that offer responsible and affordable connectivity for years to come.

“To modernise its fleet and sustain the vital connections it is offering its communities, Maldivian has, yet again, chosen to invest in the lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market and the proven benchmark in terms of operating economics. 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, ATR.

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Maldivian is the national airline of the Maldives and is known for embodying the spirit of the country by providing exceptional air travel services that showcase the natural beauty and warm hospitality of the Maldives. The airline operates the largest wheel-based fleet in the country, including DeHavilland Dash 8 and ATR aircraft. Additionally, its subsidiary, Maldivian Seaplane, utilizes DeHavilland DHC-6 Twin Otter aircraft to provide specialized tourist air transportation services, connecting customers directly to the doorstep of their chosen resorts. Maldivian operates from its hub in Male’ and offers international scheduled flights to cities in India and Bangladesh.