Fifty years strong, Air Mauritius celebrated its 50 year anniversary on June 14, 2017. The national carrier’s golden anniversary is testament to the credibility of the airline’s longevity, staying power and ultimate success, amid turbulent aviation times suffered by many competitors that have taken off, and fallen off the radar.
Over the past century, the enterprise has grown to become a leading company of Mauritius and a driving force of the Mauritian economy. It has fulfilled its mission as the national airline of Mauritius, while entrenching itself as a stable and strategic pillar of the Mauritian tourism industry.
Air Mauritius was established in June 1967. Its first flight took to the skies on September 13, 1972, with a Piper Navajo to Rodrigues. Today, Air Mauritius flies to 27 destinations across the European, African and Australasian continents.
A retro image of an Air Mauritius aeroplane. Photo: Supplied
Says Carla da Silva, Air Mauritius Regional Manager, Southern Africa and Latin America, “I am very proud to say that Air Mauritius has invested and in turn, affected a highly positive growth strategy on the African continent. Today we fly to Johannesburg, Durban, Cape Town, Maputo, Dar es Salaam and Nairobi. South Africa has been enormously instrumental in generating incremental revenue, and establishing long-term working partnerships.”
Under the directorship of da Silva, the Air Mauritius Travel Smart incentive programme was introduced in 2010. Aimed at enticing more South African visitors to the tropical paradise during the low, cool seasons, through value added benefits such as increased luggage allowances, free trips for children and discounts for honeymooners ~ Travel Smart has taken many South Africans to paradise. More so than any other leisure programme in the country, to date.
Over-and-above its 50 year commemorations, Air Mauritius is celebrating a year of growth and further investment. This year (2017), the airline takes delivery of two Airbus A350-900s. The A350-900 product will allow for increased operating efficiencies and technological innovation, while offering an exceptional passenger experience.
One of the first Air Mauritius tickets issued. Photo: Supplied
Furthermore, Air Mauritius will add two Airbus A330-900neo aircraft to its current order of six Airbus A350-900 aircraft, while upgrades to the cabin interiors of its existing fleet, commence. All this, with a view to meet and surpass customer expectations, and ultimately, to consolidate its status as the leading regional airline of the Indian Ocean.
The A350-900 will be flying to South Africa, with the first flight expected in November 2017.
“Fifty is indeed a huge milestone, which translates into hard work, perseverance and true success. This has all been achieved because of the entire value chain that makes our business successful, and with our customers being our heart beat. I would like to thank the travel trade, our tour operators, corporate customers, kestrel flyers, as well as our valued employees ~ for their continued, invaluable support, passion and commitment and for making Air Mauritius a carrier of choice and excellence!”