Mauritius’ national airline Air Mauritius is back on a firm financial footing thanks to a Rs12 billion (US$280 million) loan from the Government of the Republic of Mauritius, meaning tour operators and business and leisure travellers are able to book with confidence once again.
The financial boost was announced just days before Mauritius prepares to reopen its borders to international travellers by lifting quarantine restrictions from 1st October.
Air Mauritius is increasing its flight capacity to the Indian Ocean island nation as demands for post-pandemic travel to Mauritius soars. The paradise island is now seeing huge demand from international travellers who are choosing Mauritius for its stunning scenery, safety and security.
Mauritius has implemented one of the most successful Covid responses in the world, with 83 percent of its adult population now double-vaccinated.
By flying direct to Mauritius from around the world, Air Mauritius ensures its passengers have a Covid-secure door-to-door vaccine bubble and a seamless travel experience.
Air Mauritius continued to fly throughout voluntary administration and the Covid-19 pandemic, providing passenger and cargo connectivity to the island. The new loan arrangement was overwhelmingly supported by Air Mauritius’ creditors.
Ken Arian, CEO of Airports Holdings Limited, the parent company of Air Mauritius said:
“This new financial arrangement provides Air Mauritius with the stability to rebuild and play a central role in the government’s economic development and tourism plans. It is a vote of confidence in our staff and provides them and our tourism industry with reassurance for the future. Air Mauritius is an iconic global brand and will continue to provide short and long-haul passenger and cargo connectivity to some of our most important global markets.”
Passenger and cargo flights will operate between Mauritius and Paris, London, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Antananarivo and Reunion with connecting services available globally. Additional capacity and international routes will be added to meet changing consumer demand. Air Mauritius expects Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur and Perth to be introduced at a later date. Domestic services to and from Rodrigues will resume in November 2021.
Nilen Vencadasmy, chairman of the Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, said the news was great for the Mauritius tourism industry. ‘This means that Mauritius is able to meet the growing demand for flights to our country as well as giving more choice to consumers and more options to tour operators,’ he said. ‘I’m delighted that the future of Air Mauritius has been secured which will benefit so many people in the tourism industry as well as everyone who wants to come and visit our stunning island and discover its many attractions.’
As part of the new structure, the network fleet has been consolidated from 15 aircraft to 9 aircraft – 4 x A350-900 and 2 x A330-900 NEO wide-bodied fleet. The remaining 3 aircraft are ATR72-500 to service domestic and regional routes. Air Mauritius now has one of the youngest widebody fleets in the world.
Mauritius is reopening its borders to fully vaccinated passengers from October 1 and, as a result, demand for flights is soaring. Confidence is high that the nation’s vaccination drive – with 83 percent of adults now double-jabbed – will allow visitors to feel safe and secure. Non-vaccinated travellers can visit subject to a 14-day quarantine period.
