Aviation History
Maldivian civil aviation modernized rapidly alongside the country's tourism boom: the government-owned Island Aviation Services launched in 2000 and was rebranded Maldivian in 2008 to serve as the flag carrier, expanding from domestic seaplane and turboprop routes into international and, by 2025, widebody service. The archipelago's resort-based tourism model has also made it home to one of the world's largest seaplane operations, ferrying visitors directly between the international airport and remote island resorts.
Founded 13 April 2000 as a government-owned domestic carrier, initially flying a Dash 8 Q200 and two Dornier 228s.
The carrier rebranded as Maldivian on 25 August 2008 and began international service to Thiruvananthapuram, India, the same year.
Maldivian introduced new ATR 72-600 and ATR 42-600 aircraft, modernizing its regional fleet.
Maldivian took delivery of its first widebody, an Airbus A330-200, launching service to Chengdu, China on 6 January 2025.
Maldivian · Trans Maldivian Airways (seaplane operator) · Manta Air · FlyMe
Wikipedia, Island Aviation Services / Maldivian corporate history