National airline Maldivian has announced to lease a Boeing 787 for their operations.

Island Aviation Services Limited (IASL), which operates Maldivian, yesterday invited proposals for the dry lease of a Boeing 787.

IASL said the Boeing 787-8 is being brought to increase Maldivian's international flights and introduce flights to distant destinations. They said the country's tourism industry will be expanded and promoted with this decision.

The Boeing 787-8 has 250 seats. The plane started being operational in 2011.

IASL said it is seeking the aircraft for a six-year period and wants to lease it in the second quarter of this year. The aircraft must have economy and business class with a minimum of 15-20 seats in business class.

The opportunity to submit bids for the aircraft is open until 2:30 pm on the 25th of this month.

Maldivian currently has 22 flights. They include an Airbus 320, three ATR aircraft, 10 Dash8 aircraft and 11 Twin Otter seaplanes.