Maldives Promotion House – Maldivian airlines, Island Aviation (IAS), has brought in a new 50 seated aircraft from Germany. The DASH 8 – 315 aircraft was leased to IAS by the American Aero Century Corporation for a period of six years. The new aircraft is the sixth addition to their fleet.

According to IAS Managing director Ahmed Zuhair the new aircraft will begin operations from next month onwards. “The aircraft was brought in for six years, during which we also have the opportunity to purchase it. Once more domestic airports are built we will get more passengers.”

IAS also said that the 50 seated ATR 50 aircraft they brought in for the SAARC Summit will be returned today.

Graduating from its role as a domestic carrier in the country; Island Aviation commenced its regional operations on 25^th January 2008 with its first regional flight to Trivandrum, India. Therefore re-branding came as a natural stride as the airline expanded its routes beyond Maldives to other destinations in the neighbouring countries.