The national carrier of the Maldives, aptly named 'Maldivian' has been at the forefront of air transport domestically for decades. But the longest-running local airline faces a new plight of mounting complaints by its significantly large customer-base.
The complaints are directed particularly to one issue; age and condition of the aircraft.
Immediately after taking helm of the national carrier, its incumbent Managing Director Mohamed Mihaad had one major concern to address; revival of the airline's fleet.
The initiative is beneficial both for the company and its customer-base. A revamp will mean newer aircraft in operation which will boost consumer reliance and trust. It will also mean a solid boost of reputation for the airline as well.
The carrier boasts of 23 aircraft in its fleet. However, 20 of these have been in operation for decades; they are comparatively old and inching close towards to an official decommission date.
Last acquisition to the fleet is recorded back in 2018; a used Dash-8.
Maldivian's front man, Mihaad assures the airline will receive three new ATR aircraft before the end of 2022, all of which will be put to the airline's domestic operation.
The carrier's front man further confirmed they are acquiring the planes through a loan; with a financier already onboard to lend. Total acquisition cost of the planes is reportedly USD 60 million (MVR 925 million).
The commissioned ATR planes include two ATR-72s and one ATR-42.
The 72s provide passenger accommodation up to 74, while the 42 provides a maximum passenger capacity of 50. The ATR planes are known for its low fuel consumption.
With newly established regional ports, Maldivian's passenger movement observes similar levels to that of pre-Covid.
However, usage of old aircraft has hiked maintenance cost for the carrier. Moreover, the airline uses Dash 200-300 series aircraft; a now defunct product.
Mihaad assures the airline is expected to acquire three new ATRs in 2023. The airline will reportedly invest new plane acquisition during the following two-year period.
While detailing about the airline's "make-over" efforts, Mihaad points to the comparatively stronger planes used by other domestic carriers. The national carrier's front man argued the importance of renewing the fleet to create competitive vibrancy.
"We have already signed with ATR to acquire new planes," Mihaad confirms, while clarifying indecisiveness on the requirement of the shift is no longer an option.
Maldivian had previously acted in purchasing used crafts to control purchase price. However, under the leadership of its current front man the airline's objectives have made a significant push forward; with stronger priority on acquiring newer models.
Mihaad further argues the waning reception towards the airline predominantly originates from its use of older aircraft, which in turn hinders its services.
The necessity for newer planes are made more apparent as Mihaad confirms renewal of contracts with resorts for tourist movements will become possible only after acquiring more modern aircraft variants. "I am certain we will land new agreements [with resorts] after we acquire new planes," Mihaad said.
The only two aircraft used in Maldivian's international operation are short-haul planes. Short-hauls generally last for a maximum of four hours - without making any stops. Longer routes subject to transits, which hike fuel and other charges.
The airline uses two AirBus planes; an A320 and A321, wth the lease period for the latter due during the first quarter of 2023 while the lease agreement for the former is due on 2025.
Maldivian has decided to drop its A321 immediately after exhaustion of lease agreement due to its short-haul capacity.
While the A321 is comparatively among the newest planes used in the airline's fleet, it was in use for over 20 years according to Mihaad.
Though Maldivian will incur significant expenses in sending the plane off after lease exhaustion, Mihaad argues on the long-term benefits of focusing on acquiring long-hauls instead.
The airline stands to benefit from acquiring long-hauls despite the initial acquisition cost. Long-hauls are expected to significantly slice the airline's maintenance and fuel consumption costs.
"We are planning to announce a tender to acquire a new long-haul for our international operation before the end of September. We are assessing the best possible solution," Mihaad said.
The airline anticipates commencing new routes including South Africa and Eastern Europe after acquiring new long-haul aircraft.
The national carrier faced the brunt of the Covid-19 pandemic, while it had managed to stay afloat despite tricky economic conditions post the pandemic's worst waves. The airline has operated in loss following the economic drivel, while it is expected to incur over a billion rufiyaa expenditure for new aircraft acquisition.
The airline is looking towards the prospective future and long-term gains instead of hesitating on the expected expenses to achieve the objectives.
Meanwhile, the carrier has observed pre-pandemic level's passenger movement with improved earnings - almost at pre-pandemic levels. Mihaad assures the airline's current health allows for it to venture into risky yet prospective expansion options.
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