Maldivian Launches Aircraft Leasing Tender
Maldivian, the national airline of the Maldives, has begun the process of leasing up to two Airbus A220-300 aircraft as part of plans to secure additional fleet capacity.
Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), the airline’s parent company, issued a request for proposals in the government gazette on 11 October 2026. The tender seeks operating leases of between six and 12 years, with both aircraft expected to be based at Velana International Airport.
Deliveries are targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028, supporting the airline’s preparations for future operational growth.
Aircraft Specifications and Cabin Requirements
The tender outlines specific requirements for the aircraft, including a two-class cabin configuration with at least eight business-class seats. Maldivian’s preferred layout comprises eight business-class seats and 130 economy-class seats.
Both aircraft must be delivered in Maldivian livery and meet strict maintenance requirements. IASL has specified that each jet should be free of major maintenance events for 24 months, 5,000 flight hours or 3,000 flight cycles following delivery.
Aircraft owners, operators, lessors, commercial banks and financial institutions are eligible to submit proposals. Brokers and intermediaries are excluded from the tender process.
Lease Proposals and Evaluation Criteria
Interested parties have until 28 October 2026 at 11.59 pm Maldives time to submit their proposals.
IASL will assess bids across three principal categories: financial terms, which account for 45% of the evaluation; technical suitability, weighted at 40%; and additional commercial conditions, representing the remaining 15%.
The financial assessment will consider the net present value of lease-related cash flows, including rental payments, security deposits, induction costs, maintenance reserves and aircraft redelivery expenses.
The airline also prefers proposals that include training support for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance personnel and flight dispatchers, alongside coverage of ferry costs to Velana International Airport.
Additional considerations include rental relief if an aircraft is grounded by unforeseen major maintenance during the specified post-delivery period.
IASL plans to complete its evaluation and notify shortlisted bidders by 5 November 2026.
Supporting the Maldives’ Aviation Capacity
The leasing initiative forms part of Maldivian’s preparations to secure additional aircraft capacity, providing the airline with an opportunity to expand its fleet through long-term operating arrangements.
The proposed Airbus A220-300s would introduce additional aircraft into the carrier’s operations, subject to the outcome of the tender and subsequent lease agreements.
For the Maldives, where air connectivity plays an important role in linking the islands with international markets and supporting tourism, fleet planning remains an important element of the country’s wider aviation infrastructure.
With proposals due later this month, the tender marks a step in Maldivian’s preparations for its next phase of fleet development.
Source: The Bangladesh Monitor
Image source: Airbus