AIR MAURITIUS CONFIRMS CHOICE OF AIRCRAFT FOR FLEET RENEWAL
(Posted 10th September 2014)
Mauritius’ tourism industry will have reason to smile when looking at the future as two major decisions were taken vis a vis air connectivity to the island.
First was Air Mauritius off the blocks when confirming that orders have now been finalized for an initial six of the new Airbus A350-900 series which will eventually replace the current Airbus A340-300’s which form the backbone of the airline’s long haul routes.
First deliveries are expected under a lease arrangement by AerCap Holdings by 2017 when the first two brand new planes will join the Air Mauritius fleet before the remaining four aircraft, under a purchase agreement, will be delivered in 2019 and 2020. In addition was an agreement signed for options of a further three A350 aircraft of a type yet to be specified, at the same terms and conditions as the initial deal. These additional aircraft would be scheduled for delivery between 2023 and 2025.
Meanwhile has Emirates announced that they will bring forward the second daily A380 frequency from Dubai to Port Louis from the initially planned December launch to October, boosting seat numbers by nearly 1.900 seats a week. The switchover from the presently used B777 for the second daily flight will be on 26th of October instead as initially projected on the 01st of December, giving hoteliers on the island reason to celebrate as much needed extra seat capacity will allow to bring more tourists to the beaches of Mauritius. Both daily frequencies by Emirates between Dubai International Airport and the Sir Seewoosagur Ramgolaam International Airport near Port Louis are codeshared with national airline Air Mauritius, which itself is not flying to Dubai.
