Maldivian seeks to lease Airbus A220 narrow-body aircraft

Dhaka: Maldives' national carrier Maldivian has started the process to lease up to two Airbus A220-300 narrow-body aircraft, with deliveries targeted for the fourth quarter of 2027 and the first quarter of 2028.

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), the airline's parent, issued a request for proposals in the government gazette on October 11. The company is seeking operating leases of six to 12 years, with both jets to be based at Velana International Airport.

Aircraft owners, operators, lessors, commercial banks, and financial institutions can submit proposals until October 28 at 11:59 pm Maldives time. Brokers and intermediaries are not eligible.

The airline wants a two-class cabin with at least eight business-class seats. Its preferred layout is eight business-class and 130 economy-class seats.

IASL also requires the aircraft to be delivered in Maldivian livery. Each jet must be free of major maintenance events for 24 months, 5,000 flight hours, or 3,000 flight cycles after delivery.

Proposals will be assessed on technical suitability (40%), financial terms (45%), and additional commercial conditions (15%). The financial assessment will consider the net present value of lease-related cash flows, including rentals, security deposits, induction costs, maintenance reserves, and redelivery expenses.

The airline also prefers lessors to offer training support for pilots, cabin crew, maintenance staff, and dispatchers and to cover ferry costs to Velana International Airport. It further seeks rental relief if an aircraft is grounded by unforeseen major maintenance within the specified period.

IASL plans to complete its evaluation and notify shortlisted bidders by November 5.

The company said the request forms part of its preparations to secure additional aircraft capacity.