The state-owned operator of Maldivian, Island Aviation Services Ltd (IASL), has announced the sale of one of its De Havilland DHC-8 aircraft as part of a broader fleet renewal strategy.
The aircraft, registered as MSN 546, is now open for purchase proposals, with interested parties invited to submit their bids by 28 February 2025.
The highest bidder must provide a USD 100,000 deposit, along with an additional USD 300,000 deposit upon signing the sales and purchase agreement. The transaction will be conducted in US dollars.
The national airline previously sold one Dash-8 aircraft last year. Maldivian, which began operations in 2000, initially used Dash-8 aircraft before their production was discontinued in 2010.
In another development, after the arrival of the first Airbus A330-200 aircraft, Maldivian has also announced a tender to lease a second A330 aircraft as a part of its fleet expansion strategy.
The addition of another A330-200 will support the airline’s long-haul expansion, aligning with its strategy to strengthen connectivity and enhance travel options for passengers.
The airline, operated by Island Aviation Services (IAS), issued the tender, calling for an A330 aircraft with Economy and Business class cabins, including at least 20 seats in Business class. The lease will be on an operating lease basis for a period of five years.
The move follows Maldivian’s acquisition of its first wide-body aircraft last month, which enabled the launch of direct flights to three destinations in China.
For the Dash-8 Turboprop aircraft phase out plan, Managing Director Ibrahim Iyas has said that the carrier is gradually replacing its Dash-8 fleet with ATR aircraft for domestic flights. A new ATR aircraft is expected to arrive next month, with the remaining Dash-8 aircraft being sold as the transition progresses.
Island Aviation has already acquired three brand-new ATR aircraft in early 2023, followed by another aircraft last year. With the upcoming delivery, the airline’s ATR fleet will expand to eight.
Till date, the company has spent an estimated USD 70 million (MVR 1.1 billion) on refurbishing aircraft and about USD 140 million (MVR 2.2 billion) on acquiring the new ATR fleet.
Maldivian currently operates a fleet of 25 aircraft, including Dash-8s, ATRs, an Airbus A330, and an A320, serving domestic destinations as well as international routes to India and China.
Prospective buyers for the De Havilland DHC-8 aircraft must submit their proposals in US dollars and comply with the outlined submission requirements.
The deadline for seeking clarifications is 24 February 2025 at 14:30 Maldives time (GMT+5), with inquiries directed to IASL officials via email. Proposals must be submitted electronically and secured with a password, ensuring confidentiality.
Display Picture : Alberto Cucini via 8Q-IAS | De Havilland Canada Dash 8-315 | Maldivian | Alberto Cucini | JetPhotos
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