I would Very Happily Fly Boeing

I would happily fly on a Boeing jet despite the supposed rash of incidents in the past few months because incidents happen all the time in aviation and just as many happen to Airbus aircraft as Boeing.

At Airlineratings.com we did a survey of major incidents for 2023 and up to March 23rd 2024 and the results were fascinating.

We found that there were 515 significant incidents involving Airbus aircraft and 545 involving Boeing aircraft which is not surprising as there are slightly more Boeing aircraft flying than Airbus types. In almost all cases the incidents had nothing to do with Airbus or Boeing but were airline or weather-related.

Balance those numbers against the total number of commercial flights per year of over 40 million or 110,000 a day!

READ: Last year was the safest for flying

READ: Which are the safest aircraft?

*Airbus A320s are being readied for delivery.*

Certainly, the short to medium-range Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 are more in the news because there are so many in service and they typically perform about four sectors a day. These two 180-220-seat aircraft operate over 50% of the world’s commercial flights and are the backbone of commercial aviation. Boeing and Airbus have both delivered over 11,000 of their respective models to airlines and corporate customers. Boeing has orders for almost 5,000 more 737s and Airbus has over 7,000 A320 family models.

Boeing 737 MAX 9

Most of the incidents that are not weather or airline-related don’t involve Airbus or Boeing directly but are caused by malfunctions in components supplied by hundreds of suppliers. For instance, Airbus and Boeing don’t make engines, undercarriages, wheels, cockpit avionics, seatback video systems, galleys and seats. And the list goes on and on. So quite often if there is a problem with a component on a Boeing aircraft then it is likely the same issue impacts Airbus.

The Boeing supplier network includes more than 20,000 suppliers and partners. The company has 11 research & development centres, 16 consortia and 22 joint research centres as well as relationships with more than 50 international universities. Airbus has similar numbers.

Naturally, the media is focused on Boeing after the Alaska Airlines 737 door incident in January so any incident involving Boeing planes grabs the headlines or gains social media traction, while Airbus incidents, unless a crash is involved, go largely ignored.

Boeing has an incredible history in aviation and gave us the 707 and 747, helped put a man on the moon, and was the lead integrator of the International Space Station. It built the GPS satellites and the rockets that put those satellites into space. It has through its merger with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, built most of the free world’s fighter jets as well as the magnificent C-17 transport aircraft that brings humanitarian aid and disaster relief to millions and the list goes on. And to that list the magnificent Boeing 777-300ER which is the backbone of international travel and is the most reliable wide-body aircraft in service.

There is no question however that Boeing has production problems which are being addressed and experts suggest the company is on top of the issues with permanent fixes.

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Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

Airlineratings.com was developed to provide everyone in the world with a one-stop shop for everything related to airlines, formed by a team of aviation editors, who have forensically researched nearly every airline in the world.

Our rating system is rated from one to seven stars on safety – with seven being the highest ranking. Within each airline, you will find the country of origin, airline code, booking URL and seat map information. The rating system takes into account a number of different factors related to audits from aviation’s governing bodies, lead associations as well as the airline’s own safety data. Every airline has a safety rating breakdown so you can see exactly how they rate.

Over 230 of the airlines on the site that carry 99 per cent of the world’s passengers have a product rating. Given that low-cost, regional and full-service carriers are so different we have constructed a different rating system for each which can be found within each airline.

Airlineratings.com has information on over 30 types of aircraft from the latest Boeing 787 to the A380 and smaller jets.

Best of all, there are simple answers to many of the quirky questions including:

“What are all those noises after takeoff and before landing?”
“Why do you have to put the window shades up for landing and takeoff?”
“What is a winglet and what is it for?
“Why is it so costly to fly short distances?”
“How often is an aircraft maintained?
“How strong is a wing?”
“How do they test aircraft”
“How often do plane tires need to be replaced?”

Ryanair Chief On Boeing Crisis: “Stupid France Minister Talks Rubbish Like Trump”

Geoffrey Thomas

Ryanair chief Michael O’Leary has slammed a French Minister as “stupid” after he said that he would not travel on a Boeing jet.

According to the website POLITICO French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire’s attack on Boeing’s safety record earned him a scorching response from Ryanair boss Michael O’Leary, who on Wednesday referred to him as a “stupid politician” and called his comments “silly and ill-advised.”

In an interview with POLITICO on the sidelines of an Airlines for Europe summit in Brussels, O’Leary also denounced the way that Boeing has been regulated by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), saying the agency was “rubber-stamping” the U.S. plane-maker.

O’Leary was responding to Le Maire saying on Tuesday: “I’d rather fly Airbus than Boeing. My family too: they care about me.”

To “some stupid politician going: ‘My family don’t feel safe on a [Boeing] 737,’ I say: ‘Well, then try flying on an Airbus with a problem with the engine that hasn’t been repaired,’” O’Leary said, referring to the defects in the Pratt & Whitney engines that have grounded hundreds of Airbus planes for inspections.

The Ryanair Group operates 578 Boeing 737s of different models.

Mr O’Leary also noted that about “20% of the Airbus fleet” is going to be grounded to repair an engine problem.

However, Mr O’Leary added in the POLITICO interview that airlines expect perfection in new aircraft they buy. “Every day when Airbus and Boeing produce or deliver a new aircraft, the quality of that has to be second to none. We’re paying $100 million for every one of these aircraft. We need to know that the standards of safety and that quality control is top notch in both in Toulouse and in Seattle,” O’Leary said.

Read the full story here

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Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

Japan Airlines Goes Airbus…and Boeing

Geoffrey Thomas

Japan Airlines has ordered 42 aircraft with the majority going to Airbus over Boeing with commitments to 21 A350s, 11 A321neos and ten 787-9s.

Japan Airlines said the aircraft will “enhance and expand the capacity of international operations, with a primary focus on regions such as North America, Asia, and India where future growth is expected.”

In a major move, the A321neo purchase will end Boeing’s run as the supplier of the airline’s narrowbody aircraft.

Currently the airline operates 17 A350s, 42 737-800s, 23 787-8s, 22 787-9s, 27 767s and 14 777s. Separate from the order just announced the airline has another 11 A350-1000s and 21 737 MAX 8s on order.

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Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

Airlineratings.com has information on over 30 types of aircraft from the latest Boeing 787 to the A380 and smaller jets.

Best of all, there are simple answers to many of the quirky questions including:

“What are all those noises after takeoff and before landing?”
“Why do you have to put the window shades up for landing and takeoff?”
“What is a winglet and what is it for?
“Why is it so costly to fly short distances?”
“How often is an aircraft maintained?
“How strong is a wing?”
“How do they test aircraft”
“How often do plane tires need to be replaced?”

Korean Air Orders 33 Airbus A350s

Geoffrey Thomas

Korean Air will sign a contract with Airbus for the procurement of 33 state-of-the-art A350 family aircraft. The deal, which includes 27 A350-1000s and six A350-900s, is valued at USD 13.7 billion.

The airline said that the order will supplement the airline’s long-term fleet operations as it gradually retires its older aircraft. The procurement of the next-generation, eco-friendly A350 is not only aligned with the airlines’ sustainability efforts but also is seen as preparation for the integration of Asiana Airlines.

The A350-1000 is the largest in the A350 family and can accommodate from 350 to 410 passengers in a standard three-class configuration. The aircraft makes use of advanced composite materials, resulting in a reduction in fuel consumption and carbon emissions of up to 25%, in comparison to similarly-sized previous-generation aircraft models.

With the longest flight range among existing passenger aircraft, the A350-1000 can operate up to 16,000km with full payload.

The A350-900 variant is about 7 meters shorter than the A350-1000 with a range of 15,370km and typically seats 300-350 passengers in a three-class layout.

The airline said it can deploy the aircraft on its long-haul routes such as Seoul Incheon-New York, where the airline currently operates two daily flights.

Korean Air added that in addition to the agreement to purchase 33 A350s, Korean Air plans to introduce 50 Airbus A321neos, 10 Boeing 787-9s, 20 Boeing 787-10s, and 30 Boeing 737-8s.

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Airlineratings.com is packed with information about air travel and answers questions that many of us may have thought of, but didn’t know who to ask. Well, now you do!

School Holiday Travel Chaos Downunder

Geoffrey Thomas

Travellers over the Easter School Holiday are facing travel chaos downunder in Australia after the United Firefighters Association Aviation Branch (UFUAV) informed Airservices, the Australian government air traffic control provider, of plans to take protected industrial action during the Easter school holidays, in their quest for a 20% pay rise.

According to Airservices, which also looks after firefighting services at 27 airports, the UFUAV has provided official notification of protected industrial action it plans to take commencing April 5, including an indefinite ban on overtime which has the potential to disrupt aircraft operations at airports across Australia and cause travel chaos.

Airservices says it has offered ARFF crews an 11.2% pay rise over three years, with no change in conditions, however, the UFUAV is demanding a 20% pay rise as part of a range of claims that in total would cost the aviation industry and their passengers an additional $128 million.

Airservices said in a statement that “in line with recommendations from the Fair Work Commission, Airservices was prepared to hold further meetings with the union to seek a resolution to the dispute without the looming threat of industrial action, however, the UFUAV has refused.”

The air traffic control provider also said that the union has threatened to instruct their members to conduct a go-slow in not guaranteeing response times, or even delaying their response to emergency situations involving the travelling public beyond the three-minute maximum required by safety regulations.

“It is disappointing that the UFUAV is continuing to put thousands of Australians’ safety at risk over the Easter school holiday period in their campaign for a 20% pay increase,” said Airservices Australia CEO Jason Harfield.

“This disruptive campaign has nothing to do with staffing levels, which are monitored and regulated by CASA as the aviation safety regulator.”

Airservices said it will work with the airlines and airports to maintain safe operations and to minimise any impact on the travelling public as a result of industrial action.

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Aviation’s Greatest Challenge Is Not Net Zero But Stopping Misinformation

Geoffrey Thomas

Aviation’s greatest challenge is not Net Zero by 2050 but stopping the tsunami of misinformation about its extraordinary progress over the past 60 years in reducing CO2 per passenger and its blueprint for exciting future gains.

Climate change is real, of that there is no doubt but there is so much misinformation about the culprits that when the truth emerges it is barely recognizable.

That is an enormous challenge for aviation as its superb track record is being dismissed by not only social media but also some of the world’s most prestigious magazines and newspapers – the Wall Street Journal and the Economist.

On August 6, 2023, in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece, Fred Krupp President of Environmental Defense Fund, a U.S.-based nonprofit environmental advocacy group, claimed that “The global aviation industry is one of the largest sources of climate pollution. If its emissions were measured alongside countries, it would be the sixth largest.”

Technically he is right, except that he failed to mention that the five worst polluting countries above aviation contribute more than 97% of all CO2 emissions.

Interestingly, after an apparent backlash, that paragraph was later omitted from the online article but a Google search on September 9, 2023, still had it as the headline paragraph as can be seen below.

Picture: Screenshot taken on September 9, 2023, of the August 6th Wall Street Journal article in a Google Search showing the claim of aviation’s impact.

In 2017, aviation contributed 1.46% of global CO2 according to the 2018 Report from the Publications Office of the European Union when reporting on the CO2 emissions of all world countries. It is now accepted that the figure is just above 2%.

In the May 14, 2023 of The Economist’s online edition, the headline was “The aviation industry wants to be net zero—but not yet.”

The first paragraph read: “Flying is a dirty business. Airliners account for more than 2% of the annual global emissions from the burning of fossil fuels, many times commercial aviation’s contribution to world GDP.”

The Economist’s article has no attribution to the GDP claim whereas according to Oxford Economics aviation’s contribution is 4.1% of global GDP.

The article also pours cold water on aviation’s future developments suggesting that the technology that might help the industry meet its 2050 goal is “barely perceptible on the horizon.” Yet new generation engines are running or will do so in the next few years – hardly on the horizon.

In 2006 Joss Garman’s planestupid.com proclaimed: “There won’t be any significant breakthrough in engine emissions for at least three decades. There’s no technical fix.” Since then, the 787 and A350 have entered service in 2011 and 2014 and they burn up to 34% less fuel per passenger than the planes they replaced, while the A320neo family and the 737 MAX burn about 15% less fuel.

It is this gross distortion of facts that is aviation’s great enemy as it continues its incredible growth. Aviation’s record in reducing fuel and thus emissions is impressive and since the jet age commenced in earnest during the late 1950s the amount of fuel used per passenger has declined by around 85% – an outstanding record by any measure, which can be seen in the graphic from Greening Wings to be released in July 2004 below.

What is extraordinary about the heated debate is that many other serious polluters largely fly under the social and mainstream media radar.

Food, clothing and air conditioners, are by any measure huge contributors to climate change yet there has been limited coverage of their impact.

According to the UN the Food and Agricultural Organisation and the Carbon Brief:

One-third of food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally.
This waste in 2017 produced 9.3bn tonnes of CO2 equivalent (GtCO2e) – four times aviation and marine combined.
All the food produced but never eaten would be sufficient to feed two billion people. That is more than twice the number of undernourished people across the globe.
If wasted food were a country, it would be the third-largest producer of carbon dioxide in the world, after the USA and China.

Now consider our love of fashion. According to a report by Zurich.com:

The fashion industry produces about 10% of annual global carbon emissions, which is more than all maritime shipping and flights combined.
What’s more, fashion’s emissions of harmful greenhouse gases are projected to grow by more than 50% by 2030.
The fashion sector (including cotton farming) also uses about 93 billion cubic meters of water annually, representing 4% of all global freshwater withdrawals.
Just to manufacture a single pair of jeans requires a staggering 3,781 liters of water.
And every second of every day, the equivalent of a garbage truck full of clothing is burned or added to landfill.
Textile dyeing is the second largest polluter of water globally.
An estimated 50 billion new garments were made in 2000. Twenty years later and this figure has doubled to 100 billion.
The average person today buys 60% more clothes than they did at the turn of the century and yet we keep them for roughly half as long. And the main culprit is fast fashion.

Clothes piled up in landfill sites in Chile. Photo: Skynews

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And as the earth warms, we are turning more and more to air conditioners to seek relief and, according to an article in euronews.com, that is a disaster.

The article warns that the number of air conditioners is projected to triple from 1.6 billion in 2022 to 4.8 billion in 2050 and experts warn that we urgently need to change course.

The issues are two-fold. Air conditioners use more electricity than any other appliance in the home and with electric fans, consume 10% of global electricity.

Sophie Geoghegan, a climate campaigner at the Environmental Investigation Agency, a London-based green NGO says that the average unit is just one-third as efficient as it could be. Ms. Geoghegan adds that “the International Energy Agency, says that by 2050, fans and space cooling will consume as much electricity as all of China and India do today.”

The other issue the article highlights is that air conditioners leak hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants (HFCs), gases with powerful planet-warming properties with the most commonly used refrigerant – R-410A – a whopping 2,000 times more potent than carbon dioxide. Ms Geoghegan warns in the article that these gases are the “elephant in the room. It’s terrifying. Given how many people are buying air conditioners, it could be disastrous.”

And, as other ground-based transportation sectors reduce their CO2 footprint via hydrogen and electric options, aviation’s share of CO2 produced, while reducing, will be a bigger slice of the pie which will be a lightning rod for criticism.

The message is clear for the aviation industry. Despite the great work of industry bodies such as ICAO, IATA and ATAG its extraordinary progress over the past 60 years and its massive economic impact is not being recognized nor is the industry’s exciting blueprint for the future of Net Zero.

Worse the anti-aviation rhetoric that started as a well-meaning though ill-informed whimper in 2007 has turned into an irrational crescendo which is now noisier than a 1960s vintage 707.

How Travellers Feel About Flying Boeing

Sharon Petersen

Boeing, a prominent player in the aerospace industry, has faced significant issues recently, prompting a closer look at public sentiment. In a survey conducted among our readers, clear trends emerged regarding preferences and opinions surrounding Boeing’s aircraft.

The survey (which had over 200 respondants) revealed that 54% of respondents indicated a preference for flying with Airbus, suggesting a notable shift in consumer trust. Despite this, 41% expressed willingness to fly either Airbus or Boeing aircraft, indicating a level of confidence still present in Boeing’s offerings.

When asked about concerns regarding Boeing, 50% of respondents admitted to feeling uneasy about recent issues. However, only 27% stated they would actively avoid Boeing aircraft due to safety worries.

We were overwhelmed with comments from survey participants and have shared just a small selection below that echoed the general consensus.

“I do believe Boeing Management need to make substantial improvements towards shop floor communications re safety related issues… too many shortcuts in [the]past decade & downgrade of previous worker’s input.”
“Maintaining an aircraft is the responsibility of each airline. These issues are maintenance issues not Boeing’s fault.”
“With the total volume of aircraft flights on a daily basis, the odds of facing an incident are minuscule. It certainly raises the attention level that needs to be paid by all manufacturers. Boeing is in the spotlight right now, but I do believe they will get things resolved and move forward.”
“Boeing needs to reflect on the serious lack of a safety culture and rebuild the trust of airlines and the travelling public.”
“Problems with the older 737 800 and 777 with respect to external panels and wheels falling off would appear to be down to airline MRO procedures. However, the issues with the newer Max 737 models indicate major problems at Boeing. More attention to quality control and less attention to ‘pushing product out the door’ is required.”
“FAA and Boeing have been in bed too long plus Boeing have changed their focus from reliability to profit accountability rather than safety and good quality standards.”
“I’m definitely not flying 737 MAX at present until we get [a]resolution of [the] safety investigation at Boeing assembly plant. Who knows what other bolts are missing and rivets are not fitted properly. When will all the 737’s be inspected? “
“It all started the downhill slide when Boeing and the caustic culture of McDonnell Douglas came together.”

Optimism was also evident, with some believing Boeing could overcome its challenges and regain trust through accountability and transparency.

One common theme was the impact of the Boeing-McDonnell Douglas merger, with some attributing current struggles to cultural factors inherited from McDonnell Douglas. Regulatory oversight was also scrutinized, with suggestions that closer ties between Boeing and the FAA may have contributed to lapses.

Looking ahead, addressing concerns and implementing robust safety measures will be crucial for Boeing. Transparency and accountability will be key in rebuilding trust among airlines and passengers alike.

In summary, public sentiment reflects a mix of concerns and potential for recovery for Boeing amidst recent challenges

*Shared comments are 'just that' and reflect reader sentiment. These are not necessarily the opinions of the AirlineRatings team*

Vietjet announces Hanoi – Sydney

Sharon Petersen

Expanding its flight network from Vietnam’s capital city of Hanoi, Vietjet is set to introduce a new direct route to Sydney, further enhancing its connectivity. Following the recent announcement of the Hanoi – Melbourne route, the Hanoi – Sydney service is scheduled to commence operations in June. This direct air link will substantially reduce travel times, offering more cost-effective options compared to connecting flights.

Commencing on June 8, 2024, the Hanoi – Sydney route will operate twice weekly flights, departing from Hanoi on Wednesdays and Saturdays, and arriving in Sydney the following day. Return flights from Sydney will transport travelers back to Hanoi on Thursdays and Sundays, providing an opportunity to explore Northern Vietnam’s lush landscapes.

The Hanoi – Melbourne route will launch a few days earlier, on June 3, 2024, with flights operating twice weekly on Mondays and Fridays from Hanoi, and returning from Melbourne to Hanoi on Tuesdays and Saturdays.

To celebrate these new routes, Vietjet is offering promotional fares starting from USD0 (*) until March 25, applicable to all Vietnam – Australia flights. Travel dates for promotional tickets are available from now until October 31, 2024 (**).

Additionally, passengers flying on the inaugural flights of the Hanoi-Sydney and Hanoi-Melbourne routes will receive up to 500 Skypoints. Further offers and benefits can be explored through the SkyJoy app or at https://skyjoy.vietjetair.com/, featuring partnerships with over 250 renowned culinary, shopping, and travel brands worldwide.

Vietjet’s expansion into the Australian market within just one year reflects its commitment to providing convenient connections between Vietnam and Australia. With routes connecting Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi to major Australian cities, Vietjet facilitates seamless travel experiences for business, leisure, or exploration purposes.

In 2023, Vietjet significantly expanded its flight network with the addition of 33 new international and domestic routes, including five new routes connecting Australia to Vietnam.

With these long-haul journeys across continents, Vietjet continues to uphold its reputation for affordability and quality service. Passengers can look forward to flying on modern aircraft, enjoying diverse cuisines onboard, and experiencing Vietjet’s commitment to safety and customer satisfaction.

(*) Excluding taxes and fees

(**) Except for holidays, depending on each market and route.

About Vietjet

Vietjet has emerged as a leading airline not only in Vietnam but also across the region and globally, revolutionizing the aviation industry with its innovative approach. Through effective cost management, advanced technology utilization, and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Vietjet offers flexible and cost-saving flying opportunities with a range of services to meet diverse needs.

As a fully-fledged member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and holder of the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate, Vietjet maintains the highest safety standards. Recognized for its safety, operational excellence, and financial stability, Vietjet has garnered numerous awards from prestigious organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, and Airline Ratings.

For further information, visit www.vietjetair.com.

Air NZ Seeks More Sustainable Aviation Fuel Suppliers

Geoffrey Thomas

Air New Zealand has launched a global open invitation to innovators and start-ups in the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) sector to become a supply partner to the airline.

It is the first time an airline has made a global call to potential suppliers in the burgeoning sustainable aviation fuel industry to work together on supply opportunities.

The airline’s Opportunity Statement, released today, provides an overview of Air New Zealand’s SAF requirements based on its network, fleet, sustainability targets and criteria. It is intended to kickstart discussion for ongoing collaboration as well as identify new opportunities.

Air New Zealand Chief Sustainability Officer, Kiri Hannifin (below), says SAF is integral to the aviation industry’s future, which faces a very steep challenge to decarbonise.

“Air New Zealand plays an essential role in connecting New Zealand’s people, tourism, and trade to the world, but we must find a way to do this more sustainably and as quickly as we can. A stable supply of SAF is critical to our ability to reduce carbon emissions and continue to play this role for the long term.

“That’s why we’ve taken this novel approach, asking emerging SAF producers from around the world to connect with us and respond to the Opportunity Statement,” says Ms Hannifin.

“Air New Zealand is an ideal airline partner for SAF innovators and producers. We have a mature understanding of SAF, a clear roadmap to meet our targets, and the volumes of SAF we need to align with current production capabilities.

“Our airline is known for pushing boundaries and challenging ourselves to think differently, and we’re also deeply committed to meeting our decarbonisation goals. This Opportunity Statement shares our vision and allows current and future SAF producers to recognise both the opportunity and Air New Zealand’s ambition to become a customer as soon as possible.”

Air New Zealand was just the second airline globally to announce an interim science-based target. The interim target, validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), requires a 28.9% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, from a 2019 baseline.

Air New Zealand anticipates it will need SAF to make up around 20% of its total fuel uptake by 2030, alongside a long term and strategic regulatory package, which it is actively advocating for.

This is the latest step in Air New Zealand’s journey to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050, after partnering with pioneers of next-generation aircraft technology through its Mission Next Gen Aircraft Programme, co-funding the research and development of a domestic SAF industry, and investing in the United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund.

Air New Zealand is looking to enter short, medium, and long-term SAF offtake agreements, recognising these are often critical to the business case for a plant, mitigating risk through providing demand certainty for the SAF producer, its investors, and financiers.

To find out more and to read the Opportunity Statement please visit here.

Airport Fast Track Service For Stays At Private Maldives Islands

Geoffrey Thomas

Priority Maldives has started selling bespoke holiday packages that include fast-track service at Velana International Airport.

Termed as VIP Airport Service, it is among the different experiences the agent could include in the package along with exciting underwater dinners and luxury yacht cruises. You can stay at almost any resort and let Priority Maldives arrange a trip to the nearest resort that has an undersea dining facility.

Transfer options include a luxury yacht, speedboat or VIP seaplane charter if it is distant. Alternatively, you could stay in one of their recommended resorts that is not far from the undersea restaurant. According to the agent, you could conveniently choose any island in Baa Atoll, Noonu Atoll or Raa Atoll and have the undersea dinner at Huwalhi Island Resort.

A yacht can be hired for a full day or half day. Depending on your budget they could include enhancements such as spa treatment aboard. Embarking on a Dolphin Cruise in the afternoon would be a great idea, especially if you want to surprise your spouse. Right after the cruise, the yacht can take a course to Hurawalhi for the ultimate experience below the surface of the sea.

In the post-Covid era, the Maldives has been enjoying tremendous growth in its tourism industry. Over a million tourists visited the country in 2021 and the following year it was 1.6 million tourists. Tourist arrivals continued to increase at a double-digit figure. For the current year, the government has targeted to achieve 2 million tourists.

Increasing tourist counts make the Male Airport often too crowded as an airport to cope beyond its capacity. Thanks to Priority Maldives for making the VIP airport service so convenient and easy to book via WhatsApp, not only queues can be skipped but the whole arrival terminal gets skipped altogether. On arrival, the guests on VIP package are quickly received at flight stairs and escorted to one of the lounges while regular passengers proceed to the arrival hall.

Velana Airport (MLE, ICAO Code: VRMM) is located on a small island off the capital Male. It has been more than 30 years since the terminal was built. Though there were upgrades every few years the main arrival terminal and departure terminal largely remain the same while new Duty Free outlets and additional services have been introduced.

Construction of a brand new terminal is underway with more than 50% completed. The new president Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced the targeted opening in the last quarter of 2024. The new terminal is said to have the capacity to serve 7 million passengers annually or 4000 passengers a day,

The airport currently serves 2000 private jets every year while Maafaru International Airport (VRDA) remains the second busiest international gateway and is largely popular among holidaymakers who fly private jets to luxury resorts in Noonu Atoll. You could land at Maafaru and get whisked on the palm-fringed beaches within 30 minutes.

Velaa Private Island (above) is a well-known resort that offers many activities to do, including scuba diving and water sports along with several land-based sports that are perfect for holidays. It is also one of the few islands that has a golf course. If you enjoy surfing the only Wave Simulator in the country is available at Cheval Blanc Randheli which is also located near Maafaru.

The other luxury brand is called Soneva (above), they have resorts near Maafaru as well as in Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve. All these are top-ranked luxury hotels that have been featured in international media such as CNN, and Forbes.

The Nautilus Maldives (above) is one of the smallest private islands where you can reserve a villa without having to exclusively book the entire island. There are about 20 luxury abodes of which some are located overwater while others are at the beach. Referred as a Beach House, every villa comes with a private pool facing the beach. Natural vegetation around the villa makes the pool very private while a narrow passage leads directly to the beach within a few steps. Privacy is an important element for many tourists, especially honeymooners. Water Villas also come with temperature temperature-controlled private pool, guests staying at other villas don’t see you as a privacy fence blocks the view from both sides, and at the front is open sea.

Ithaafushi Private Island (above) is located in Kaafu Atoll, about 40 minutes from Velana Airport. Since this is an exclusive island you cannot book individual villas, you can only book the island and stay anywhere you prefer. There is enough accommodation for 23 guests to stay, there are 2 main villas of which one is located overwater. The other is a beach villa with a private pool. This is one of the top private islands in the Maldives. All services are provided by Waldorf Astoria Maldives. Ithaafushi is a full butler service island, you can either have meals ordered from Waldorf Astoria or a private chef can cook them right in Ithaafushi. The house reef is perfect for snorkeling and your butler would be more than happy to join if you need someone to company for safety reasons. Otherwise, you can also get a professional Snorkeling Guide from Watersports Centre. Waldorf Astoria Maldives is very close, it takes only 3 – 5 minutes by pontoon boat that is available 24/7. A vast array of food and beverage options are available there and all outlets feature luxury architecture and furnishing. The price is $75000 – $120000 per night, food and beverages cost extra charges while prices are subject to taxes and service charges.

Four Seasons Voavah Private Island is a cheaper option if you want to go for an exclusive private island. It costs $45000 – $75000 per night. Apart from the beach villa and water villa, there is a luxury yacht included in the package, you can enjoy the yacht as much as you wish. Voavah is located in Baa Atoll, near Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. As you may have noticed all these tiny private retreats have their main island in the vicinity to provide all supporting services. Luxury hospitality is complex and operating such a facility incurs tremendous costs. Hence, it comes at a premium price tag that may be affordable for the world’s ultra-rich.

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