The national airline, Maldivian, has decided to start flights to South Africa.

Ibrahim Iyas, Managing Director of Island Aviation Services (IAS) which operates Maldivian, told "One" today that there are currently no direct flights from South Africa to the Maldives. Tourists from that country come to the Maldives via Middle Eastern countries, South Asian countries, or other Asian countries.

"So we decided to start direct flights from Maldivian to South Africa after extensive research and consultation with experts there. Therefore, we are very hopeful it will be successful," Iyas said.

Iyas said that Maldivian's newly acquired Airbus A-330 will next start flights to South Africa as soon as possible.

Maldivian's A-330 has also started direct flights to China in January this year.

Maldivian's wide-body aircraft or A-330 is a plane with 264 seats in three classes. It has 18 seats in Business Class, 36 seats in Premium Economy, and 210 seats in Economy Class. The aircraft can also carry ten tons of cargo.

Maldivian's new aircraft A-330 was brought to the Maldives on January 6th.