Indian Ocean region carrier Maldivian is looking to obtain a Boeing 787-8 to expand its network, just days after indicating plans to acquire an Airbus A330-200.
The airline is aiming to branch into long-haul services and the latest request for proposals, issued by Island Aviation Services, centres on dry-leasing a 787 from the second quarter of this year.
Maldivian is seeking a two-class aircraft with at least 270 seats, including 15-20 in the business cabin.
Its preference is for a General Electric GEnx-powered airframe – although it will consider one fitted with Rolls-Royce Trent 1000 engines – with a maximum take-off weight of 227t.
The airline says it wants to develop a nonstop long-haul network from Male.
“Making Maldives accessible through Maldivian is one of [our] strategic objectives,” it states, adding that it would dry-lease the aircraft for six years.
