The national airline Maldivian signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates on Thursday (February 10) to explore codesharing and cooperation in tour operation.
According to the world’s largest airline, a codeshare agreement would enable Emirates’ customers “to conveniently book and connect from Malé to more than 15 domestic destinations and the international destinations served by Maldivian.” The airlines will also consider a tour operating partnership “to offer customers tailor-made packages including hotel stays at world class resorts and exclusive tours.”
Emirates Chief Commercial Officer Adnan Kazim explained that a “codeshare and interline agreement will immensely benefit both carriers. For Emirates customers, its enhanced connectivity to and from the Maldivian archipelago. For Maldivian travellers, it’ll ease access to our extensive network of more than 120 destinations, via Dubai. We look forward to continue strengthening our partnership and to offering customers a seamless travel experience.”
Maldives Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer observed that Emirates ranks first in terms of international passenger traffic to the Maldives. “The possible partnership between the two airlines will benefit the Maldivian economy and strengthen economic ties between the Maldives and the United Arab Emirates,” he said.
Mohamed Mihad, Maldivian’s Managing Director, said: “The growth prospects that could follow such a partnership is key when we look to expand our operations and develop partnerships that will allow us to position ourselves in the post-Covid aviation industry. The interline and codeshare arrangement being explored would enable both Maldivian as well as Emirates to enhance the connectivity and expand on the service offerings.”
