FLEET - Air Mauritius Targets the B737 MAX or the A321 And Expects Three A350s by 2028

Air Mauritius is considering ordering narrowbody aircraft, including Airbus A321LRs or Boeing 737 MAX 8/10 models, to improve frequency on key regional and medium-haul routes, the airline's CEO Andre Viljoen said.
Newsaero / Air Mauritius

FLEET - Air Mauritius adds ATR72-600s, replaces ATR72-500

 

Air Mauritius (MK, Mauritius) has announced it is replacing its ATR72-500s with ATR72-600s, with an additional -600 due to arrive in the Indian Ocean island this week and a second by the end of September, marking a "significant milestone" in strengthening its regional operations.

The airline already operates one company-owned 12-year-old ATR72-600, 3B-NCP (msn 1098), according to ch-aviation data.

In a statement, the airline said the second ATR72-600, to be registered as 3B-NCU (msn 1316), will depart from Toulouse Francazal this week to be ferried to Mauritius via stops at Luxor (Egypt), Nairobi Jomo Kenyatta (Kenya), and Nosy-Be (Madagascar). It will be deployed to Rodrigues Island and subsequently to St. Denis de la Réunion. It has been certified for Extended Twin Engine Operations Performance Standards (ETOPS) and has been specifically modified for Air Mauritius with flexible cargo handling and special transport capabilities to allow for the carriage of stretchers and medical evacuation equipment, especially on the Rodrigues route.

According to ch-aviation, the 9.4-year old aircraft is leased from DAE Capital. It previously flew for Xfly (Estonia) (EST, Tallinn Lennart Meri) under the registration ES-ATK.

Air Mauritius said it expects delivery of a third leased ATR 72-600 by the end of September to replace an ATR72-500. "The ATR72 fleet will then comprise one ATR72-500 and three ATR 72-600 aircraft," it stated.

The airline currently operates two ATR72-500s: the company-owned 23.2-year-old 3B-NBG (msn 690) and the 14.8-year-old 3B-NBN (msn 921), leased from DAE Capital.

CH Aviation

FLEET / ROUTES - Air Mauritius added leased A340-300 from Hi Fly (Malta), primarily scheduled on Mauritius – London Gatwick route, between 26 March and 14 April 2024.

Photo: Hifly
 

Air Mauritius confirms order for three A350 aircraft

Air Mauritius has confirmed an order for three A350 aircraft to expand its network in Europe and South Asia.

The three latest generation aircraft will bring Air Mauritius’ A350 fleet to a total of seven. The airline already operates four A350 and four A330 Airbus aircraft. 

"Air Mauritius is proud to renew its confidence in Airbus and its products, continuing a three-decade long partnership. The additional A350-900 aircraft will help us strengthen our European network and secure further growth in other markets. We are looking forward to achieving our ambitious objectives together with Airbus," said Mr Kresimir Kucko, CEO of Air Mauritius. 

“We compliment Air Mauritius on putting the A350 at the heart of its long-haul fleet modernisation programme. With greater range capability, better economics, passenger capacity and comfort, the A350 is the perfect platform to connect the beautiful island of Mauritius to the world," said Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer and Head of International at  Airbus.

The A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long range leader in the 300-410 seater category. The A350 offers the longest range capability of any commercial airliner Family in production today with a range of up to 9,700nm non-stop. 

The A350’s clean sheet design includes state-of-the-art technologies and aerodynamics delivering unmatched standards of efficiency and comfort. Its new generation engines and use of lightweight materials make it the most fuel efficient large widebody aircraft. The A350 is the quietest aircraft in its class with 50 percent noise footprint reduction vs the previous generation aircraft.

AIRBUS

Air Mauritius puts A340s, A319s, and A330 up for sale

Air Mauritius (MK, Mauritius) has put part of its wholly-owned fleet of aircraft - two A340-300s, one A330-200, and two A319-100s - up for sale as part of its fundraising drive.

According to a Request For Proposals (RFP) published on July 7, the aircraft in question are:
A340-300s 3B-NBD (msn 194) and 3B-NBE (msn 268);
A330-200 3B-NBL (msn 1057);
A319-100s 3B-NBF (msn 1592) and 3B-NBH (msn 1936).

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module:
A340-300 3B-NBD is 22.79 years of age and as of March 31, 2020, had amassed 93,546 hours via 13,615 cycles. A340-300 3B-NBE is 21.28 years of age and, as of March 31, 2020, had amassed 89,519 hours via 13,019 cycles;
A330-200 3B-NBL is 10.79 years of age, is powered by General Electric CF6-80E1A3s, and had amassed 43,846 hours via 8,471 cycles as of March 31, 2020;
A319 3B-NBF is 18.83 years of age and amassed 43,750 hours via 16,402 cycles as of March 31, 2020. A319 3B-NBH is 17.38 years of age and amassed 40,910 hours via 14,734 cycles as of March 31, 2020.

Proposals are due by 1600L (1200Z) on August 11, 2020.

The dormant carrier, which is battling to stave off bankruptcy, also owns two A350-900s and a single ATR72-500.

Ch aviation

Photo:KPB - FRA

Air Mauritius takes delivery of its first A330neo

Air Mauritius has taken delivery of its first A330-900, on lease from ALC during a ceremony held in Toulouse. The National carrier of the Republic of Mauritius is the first A330neo operator based in the southern hemisphere, and the first airline in the world to operate a combination of both the A330neo and A350 XWB.
Benefiting from the A330neo unbeatable operating economics and award-winning Airspace cabin, the aircraft named Aapravasi Ghat in reference to Mauritius’ history, will feature a two-class cabin with 28 business class seats and 260 economy class seats. The carrier will deploy the aircraft on routes connecting Mauritius to Europe (mainly London and Geneva), India and South East Asian routes and on regional destinations including Johannesburg, Antananarivo and Reunion Island.

Air Mauritius CEO, Somas Appavou stated:“I am delighted to welcome our first Airbus A330neo, another milestone in our fleet modernization programme. The addition of two A330neos to our fleet, will bring more flexibility and efficiency to our operations while supporting our network strategy. The A330neo offers similar levels of comfort as the A350 XWB, which has received very favourable feedback from our customers. I strongly believe that with the addition of the A330neo to our fleet, Air Mauritius will further reinforce its focus and emphasis on the customer who are at the very core of our business model.”

“Sugar and spice and all things nice! Like its namesake, inspired by the island’s history in developing the sugar industry, their first A330neo will pioneer Air Mauritius into a whole different level of efficiency and flexibility by operating both the A330neo and the A350 XWB, our latest generation widebodies”, said Christian Scherer, Airbus Chief Commercial Officer. “Passengers will enjoy unmatched levels comfort in our award winning ‘Airspace by Airbus’ cabins on both aircraft. Well done to our trusted partner on being the world’s first airline to operate the A330neo and the A350 XWB together - a sweet combination!”

Air Mauritius currently operates 9 Airbus aircraft of which two A350-900s, three A340-300s, two A330-200s and two A319s on its regional and long haul services.

The A330neo Family is the new generation A330, comprising two versions: the A330-800 and A330-900 sharing 99 percent commonality. It builds on the proven economics, versatility and reliability of the A330 Family, while reducing fuel consumption by about 25 percent per seat versus previous generation competitor aircraft and offering an unrivalled range capability. The A330neo is powered by Rolls-Royce’s latest-generation Trent 7000 engines and features a new wing with increased span and new A350 XWB-inspired Sharklets.



With an order book of more than 1,700 aircraft from 120 customers to date, the A330 is the most popular widebody family.

AIR MAURITIUS - A330-900 - F-WWCN msn 1884

Alain Charpentier - TLS

Air Mauritius delays A330-900neo service entry to March 2019

Air Mauritius in recent schedule update further revised planned A330-900neo aircraft service entry, currently scheduled from March 2019. From 01MAR19 to 30MAR19, planned A330-900neo operation includes:

Mauritius – Hong Kong 07MAR19 – 28MAR19 1 weekly
Mauritius – Mumbai 03MAR19 – 24MAR19 1 weekly
Mauritius – Perth 02MAR19 – 30MAR19 2 weekly
Mauritius – St. Denis de la Reunion 25MAR19
Mauritius – Singapore – Kuala Lumpur 01MAR19 – 27MAR19 3 weekly (2 weekly from 07MAR19)

Further changes remain highly possible.

By Jim Liu

AIR MAURITIUS - A330-900NEO - F-WWCX

Paul Bannwarth

Air Mauritius A330-900neo operation revision as of 31JUL18

Air Mauritius recently revised planned Airbus A330-900neo operation, as the airline schedules inaugural in November 2018, instead of October 2018. As of 31JUL18, revised A330-900neo service as follows.
Northern winter 2018/19 season from 28OCT18 to 30MAR19:

Mauritius – Antananarivo eff 18DEC18 1 weekly

Mauritius – Bangalore – Chennai – Mauritius 05NOV18 – 07JAN19 1 weekly

Mauritius – Bangkok 03NOV18 – 08DEC18 1 weekly

Mauritius – Cape Town 02NOV18 – 11JAN19 1 weekly

Mauritius – Delhi eff 15JAN19 2 weekly (1 weekly from 26JAN19)

Mauritius – Geneva 18JAN19 – 22FEB19 1 weekly

Mauritius – Hong Kong eff 04NOV18 2 weekly (3 weekly from 06DEC18)

Mauritius – Johannesburg eff 03DEC18 2 weekly (1 weekly from 15JAN19)

Mauritius – Mumbai eff 01NOV18 2 weekly (Additional frequency added 05DEC18 – 29DEC18)

Mauritius – Perth eff 01DEC18 2 weekly (3 weekly during following: 14DEC18 – 15JAN19, 28FEB19 – 30MAR19)

Mauritius – St. Denis de la Reunion eff 06NOV18 Average 1 weekly

Mauritius – Wuhan eff 02JAN19 1 weekly

Northern summer 2019 season from 31MAR19 (currently listed until late-August 2019):

Mauritius – Antananarivo 03MAY19 – 28JUN19 2 weekly

Mauritius – Delhi eff 03APR19 2 weekly

Mauritius – Hong Kong eff 31MAR19 3 weekly

Mauritius – Mumbai eff 03MAY19 2 weekly (1 weekly from 12JUL19. No A330-900neo service 31MAR19 – 02MAY19)

Mauritius – Perth eff 31MAR19 3 weekly (2 weekly 01MAY19 – 30JUN19)

Mauritius – Shanghai Pu Dong 05MAY19 – 30JUN19 1 weekly

Mauritius – St. Denis de la Reunion 03MAY19 – 30JUN19 Selected flights

By Jim Liu

Air Mauritius planned A330-900neo operation as of 06MAY18

Air Mauritius in recent weeks revised planned Airbus A330-900neo aircraft operation. Planned service entry in October 2018 (Geneva) remains unchanged, however subsequent service entry on various markets has been revised. Latest adjustment as follows.

Mauritius – Antananarivo One-flight on 02NOV18, 2 weekly from 03MAY19

Mauritius – Delhi eff 03NOV18 3 weekly (4 weekly 11DEC18 – 20JAN19, 2 weekly from 06FEB19)

Mauritius – Geneva 12OCT18 – 22FEB19 1 weekly (no new adjustment)

Mauritius – Hong Kong eff 28OCT18 2 weekly (3 weekly from 08NOV18)

Mauritius – Johannesburg eff 30OCT18 1 weekly

Mauritius – Mumbai eff 02NOV18 2 weekly (Except 01DEC18 – 01FEB19, selected dates; No A330-900 service 30MAR19 – 02MAY19)

Mauritius – Perth eff 04DEC18 2 weekly (3 weekly 14DEC18 – 15JAN19 and 02APR19 – 30APR19)

Mauritius – St. Denis de la Reunion eff 28OCT18 Selected dates

Mauritius – Shanghai Pu Dong eff 05MAY19 1 weekly

By Jim Liu - Routesonline

Air Mauritius takes delivery of its first A350 XWB

The first A350 operator based in the Indian Ocean

Air Mauritius has taken delivery of its first Airbus A350-900 aircraft, opening a new chapter for the Indian Ocean carrier. The aircraft, leased from AerCap, was delivered during a ceremony held in Mauritius today.

The Mauritian airline based airline has chosen a very comfortable two class layout with a total of 326 seats comprising 28 in Business Class and 298 in Economy Class.

The A350-900 equipped with Air Mauritius’ latest cabin products including new seats, an all-new inflight entertainment system and inflight connectivity will offer passengers unparalleled levels of comfort and convenience.

This A350-900 is the first of six to be delivered to Air Mauritius. Four will be purchased directly from Airbus and two leased from AerCap. The carrier will deploy the aircraft on its expanding route network connecting Mauritius with Asia, Africa and Europe.

Air Mauritius already operates a fleet of 10 Airbus aircraft including six A340-300s, two A330-200s and two A319s on its regional and long haul services.

The A350 XWB features the latest aerodynamic design, carbon fibre fuselage and wings, plus new fuel-efficient Rolls-Royce engines. Together, these latest-generation technologies translate into unrivalled levels of operational efficiency, with a 25 per cent reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, in addition to significantly lower maintenance costs.

The spacious, quiet, tastefully-appointed interior and mood lighting in the A350 XWB Airspace cabin contribute to superior levels of comfort and well-being, setting new standards in terms of flight experience for all passengers.

To date, Airbus has booked a total of 858 firm orders for the A350 XWB from 45 customers worldwide, making it one of the most successful widebody aircraft ever.

Air Mauritius’ first A350 XWB is greeted in Mauritius with a traditional water canon salute

Air Mauritius updates A350 European service from Nov 2017

Air Mauritius in last week’s schedule update adjusted planned Airbus A350 operation to Europe, including London Heathrow and Paris. As of 13OCT17, latest update as follow.

Mauritius – London Heathrow 12NOV17 – 24NOV17 3 weekly (Previously re-scheduled as 3 flights only)

Mauritius – Paris CDG eff 25NOV17 1 daily (Previously scheduled from 02DEC17)
Reported last week, Air Mauritius is moving its A350 inaugural to 23OCT17, operating Mauritius – 

Singapore – Kuala Lumpur on 23 and 25OCT17 (inbound the following day), switching to Mauritius – Johannesburg from 27OCT17.

By Jim Liu

Air Mauritius A350 service updates as of 08OCT17

Air Mauritius has revised planned Airbus A350-900XWB operation in October 2017, previously scheduled for inaugural flight on 19OCT17. Latest update as of 08OCT17 shows the inaugural rescheduled to 23OCT17, operating as Mauritius – Singapore – Kuala Lumpur, departing MRU on 23OCT17 and 25OCT17, 2 flights only.

MK646 MRU2040 – 0735+1SIN0905+1 – 1005+1KUL 359 23OCT17
MK646 MRU2055 – 0750+1SIN0920+1 – 1020+1KUL 359 25OCT17
MK647 KUL1335 – 1435SIN1605 – 1900MRU 359 24OCT17/26OCT17

Planned A350 service to Johannesburg, is now scheduled on 27OCT17. On Mauritius – London Heathrow route, revised A350 operation sees 2 flights only, on 11NOV17 and 15NOV17 (LHR 12NOV17 and 15NOV17). Planned A350 service entry to Paris remains unchanged on 01DEC17.
By Jim Liu - Routes Online

Photo:Alain Charpentier - TLS - F-WZNN msn 145 (3B-NBP)

Air Mauritius confirms A330neo lease, defers A350s

Air Mauritius (MK, Mauritius) has signed longterm lease agreements with Air Lease Corporation for two new A330-900neo aircraft. The Mauritian national carrier said in a statement the aircraft are powered by Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 motors and are scheduled to be delivered in September and October 2018. Their arrival, it said, will coincide with the retirement of two A340-300Es whose leases will expire in November and December 2018. The A330neo will initially serve the medium haul routes of Guangzhou, Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok, Delhi Int'l, and Perth Int'l.

The A330-900 aircraft will have a similar cabin layout as the A350-900 aircraft and will be configured in a two-class layout with 291 seats (twenty-eight business and 263 economy class seats) in total.
Concerning earlier reports of an A350/A330neo order revision with Airbus Industrie (AIB, Toulouse Blagnac), Air Mauritius said it has now decided to retain the delivery of two A350-900s in 2019. However, it will reschedule the delivery of the last two A350-900 aircraft, initially planned for 2020, to 2023.

ch aviation

Air Mauritius to lease two Airbus A330-900neo aircraft from ALC

Air Lease Corporation (AL) announced long term lease agreements with Air Mauritius for two new Airbus A330-900neo aircraft, outfitted with latest-generation Rolls-Royce Trent 7000 engines. The aircraft are from ALC’s order book with Airbus and are scheduled to deliver in September and October 2018.

Air Mauritius has added two new destinations from Mauritius (MRU) to its African network.

On 4 May the carrier began weekly (Wednesday) flights on the 2,633-kilometre route to Maputo (MPM) in Mozambique. The return flight operates via Durban. Two days later, on 6 May, it began weekly (Friday) flights on the 2,494-kilometre route to Dar es Salaam (DAR) in Tanzania. Return flights on this route operate via Nairobi. Both routes will be flown by one of the airline’s two A319s and neither faces direct competition. Megh Pillay, CEO of Air Mauritius, said: “African economies have shown remarkable resilience to the global crisis. Their growth rates have been consistently higher than the global average. The expansion of our network on the African continent is a step to address the need for more air connectivity. These new flights will contribute in feeding the Air Corridor that links Africa and Asia via the hubs of Mauritius and Singapore.” Created in 1967, Air Mauritius currently operates a fleet of six A340s, two A330-200s, two A319s and two ATR 72-500s and flies to 21 destinations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe and the Indian Ocean.

Aenna

AIR MAURITIUS - A319-100 - 3B-NBH

Paul Denton - Johannesburg O.R. Tambo Int'l - South Africa

Air Mauritius cool on proposed new Indian Ocean carrier

Air Mauritius has rejected a proposal by the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC) regarding the merging of Air Madagascar, Air Mauritius, Air Seychelles and Air Austral into a combined regional carrier.

According to the terms of the proposal, the new regional carrier would serve the islands of Mauritius, Madagascar, Seychelles, Reunion, the Comoros and mainland Africa including Tanzania, Uganda and Burundi.
ch-aviation