National airline Maldivian has begun the process of adding two additional ATR aircraft to its fleet as part of its ongoing domestic operations expansion.

Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation, which operates the airline, told Mihaaru News that two ATR aircraft have been ordered, with the first expected to be delivered in the final quarter of this year.

The second aircraft is expected to arrive later next year.

Iyas said aircraft manufacturing typically requires long lead times, and that the order was placed recently.

"Manufacturing usually takes more than a year. The order has already been placed. With the two new aircraft, all aircraft used on domestic flights will be new," he said.

The new aircraft will each have a 46-seat capacity.

Maldivian has been working to modernize its domestic fleet, having introduced three new aircraft in 2023, followed by additional deliveries in 2024 and June last year. The airline currently operates five ATR aircraft.

The refurbishment of domestic aircraft is estimated to cost around USD 140 million (MVR 2.2 billion), according to Island Aviation.

The airline is also working to acquire an additional wide-body Airbus A330, although Iyas said the process has been delayed due to limited availability of suitable aircraft. The company has previously invited bids on multiple occasions.

Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 26 aircraft, including ATRs, an Airbus A330, an Airbus A320, Dash-8 aircraft and seaplanes.