Maldivian to introduce first Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft in the Maldives

Maldivian has signed a letter of intent with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited to purchase two DHC-6 Twin Otter Classic 300-G aircraft, the airline's parent company, Island Aviation Services Limited, said in a statement.

The agreement marks the first order for the Classic 300-G model in the Maldives. The country is the world's largest market for Twin Otter operations, according to Island Aviation Services.

De Havilland Canada confirmed the deal was signed at the Farnborough Airshow in the United Kingdom on 22 July, according to a company statement.

A seaplane workhorse gets an upgrade

The Twin Otter has carried tourists from Malé to resorts and islands across the Maldives for decades. Many of those destinations have no land runway, and rely entirely on seaplane transfers.

Island Aviation Services said the Classic 300-G retains the short takeoff and landing performance that Maldivian's operations depend on. The company said the new model adds modern avionics, improved passenger comfort and better maintainability. It also said weight reductions in the new variant would free up additional capacity for passengers and baggage.

"We are proud that Maldivian will be the first airline in the Maldives to introduce the Twin Otter Classic 300-G," said Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Maldivian, in the statement.

Iyas said the purchase represents an investment in guest experience, in the resorts the airline serves, and in the island communities that depend on its services. He said it would strengthen capacity, improve onboard comfort, and support the airline's ability to connect the Maldives safely and reliably.

Part of a wider fleet

Maldivian currently operates 25 aircraft. Its fleet includes one Airbus A330-200, one Airbus A320, five ATR aircraft, seven Dash 8 aircraft and eleven DHC-6 Twin Otters, according to the company.

The airline said it serves an extensive domestic network alongside a growing international presence, with flights to markets including Australia, Bangladesh, India and China. It said it operates the largest wheel-based fleet in the Maldives, in addition to its dedicated seaplane operations.

De Havilland Canada has produced more than 1,000 Twin Otter aircraft since the model's introduction, according to the manufacturer, with the aircraft used in locations ranging from Arctic communities to tropical islands.

Neither company disclosed the value of the agreement or a delivery timeline for the two new aircraft. A letter of intent is a preliminary step toward a purchase and does not guarantee a final order will be completed.