Image: Emirates
Emirates and Maldivian have announced an interline partnership, that will allow Emirates’ customers access to 16 holiday destinations in the Maldives beyond Malé.
The agreement successfully follows on from last year’s signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two airlines, to explore opportunities for mutual cooperation.
The interline agreement will create more options for Emirates customers when travelling to the Maldivian archipelago, utilising both carriers’ services and networks on a single ticket while also enhancing the customer experience throughout the journey.
Customers travelling to the Maldives will now be able to reap the benefit of flying to other holiday spots in the country after connecting easily from Velana International Airport in the North Malé atoll.
Emirates passengers will link to Maldivian’s services to reach a choice of domestic points for their island getaway.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ chief commercial officer said: “We are delighted to establish a partnership with Maldivian, to expand our reach into more points in the Maldives. By partnering with the Maldivian flag carrier, we are able to offer customers smooth connections when flying to a wide choice of islands within the country via Malé. By extending this added-value benefit, our customers from across the Middle East, Europe, Africa, and Americas can plan their journey to the Maldives with the convenience of booking flights on a single ticket to reach their final destination.”
Ibrahim Hamdhan Mohamed, GM – Commercial at Maldivian added: “We are excited to embark on this journey with Emirates, a global aviation leader. This partnership would enable us to increase the visibility of our extensive domestic network and it aligns perfectly with our objective of providing seamless connectivity to travelers. Customers will be able to plan and book their entire journey directly through the airline with ease.”
Access to 16 islands enabled through the Emirates-Madivian partnership
Emirates customers can fly to airports in a selection of the popular atolls via Malé including:
- Dharavandhoo Island,
- Faresmathoda Airport
- Funadhoo Airport
- Fuvahmulak Island Airport
- Gan Island International
- Kooddoo Island
- Hanimaadhoo Island Airport
- Kulhudhuffushi Airport
- Hoarafushi Airport
- Kaadedhdhoo Island Airport
- Kadhdhoo Island
- Madivaru Airport
- Maafaru International Airport
- Maavarulu Airport
- Thimarafushi Airport
- Ifuru
Customers spending their holidays at other resort islands can also travel to the closest point in the interline network. They can then reach their final destination with only a short ride, by seaplane or boat.
As the partnership between both airlines evolves, more benefits and conveniences will be added to enhance the customer experience when travelling to the Maldives.
Emirates commenced operations to Malé in 1987 and now operates 28 flights a week and four flights a day between Dubai and the Maldives.
Tickets can be booked to these destinations from 15 September.
In other news, the Dubai-based carrier said it will be upgrading its services to Sydney to an all-A380 operation starting November 4.