Aviation Shake-Up: Qatar Airways’ Bid for Air Mauritius Marks a Decisive Shift

DOHA — Qatar Airways, recently named the world’s best airline for a record ninth time, is reportedly in advanced discussions to become a strategic partner with Air Mauritius, according to Defi Media sources close to the Mauritian government. This potential partnership is seen as a key step to revitalise the struggling national carrier, which continues to face significant structural challenges and operational issues, including flight delays and cancellations.

The idea of bringing in an external ally for Air Mauritius is reportedly well-established within government circles, with a recent Cabinet meeting discussing the matter.

Another meeting is expected in the coming weeks. While the exact form of the partnership is still to be determined, Qatar Airways has emerged as the front-runner.

Officials believe the Doha-based airline has “much to bring to the table” in terms of technical expertise, modern equipment, and human resources.

A key benefit of a potential deal would be gaining access to Qatar’s Hamad International Airport hub, one of the world’s busiest and most dynamic.

For Air Mauritius, this would mean new opportunities to expand its routes and improve international connections, particularly to Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, boosting Mauritius’s appeal as a premier tourist destination.

Breaking with Tradition

An alliance with Qatar Airways would represent a significant shift in policy for Mauritius, which has historically favoured Qatar’s rival, Emirates.

For over 20 years, successive governments have systematically rejected landing requests from Qatar Airways while granting Emirates a strong presence.

Emirates currently operates three daily flights to Mauritius, carrying over 8.8 million passengers since 2002 and contributing significantly to the island’s economy.

However, sources suggest the current government is determined to “break the taboo” and explore new partnerships.

Beyond the airline deal, discussions are reportedly underway with Qatar on broader collaborations, including potential energy sector support for the supply of petroleum products and liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Air Mauritius’s Ongoing Restructuring

Air Mauritius has been undergoing a restructuring since 2021, when it was fully acquired by Airport Holdings Ltd (AHL) to avoid imminent bankruptcy.

AHL is majority-owned by the Mauritian government, with a minority stake held by the Bank of Mauritius’s investment arm.

This move followed years of financial losses and a period of voluntary administration, exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“All Options are Open”

In a recent press conference, Air Mauritius Chairman Kishore Beegoo confirmed the airline is open to all possibilities, stating, “All options are open.

We have no barriers in our way of thinking.” He added that the airline intends to issue an expression of interest to gauge potential investor appetite, with a decision to be made if the right partner is found.

While Qatar Airways is the preferred option, other companies have shown interest over the years, including Ethiopian Airlines.

The African carrier previously submitted a formal proposal during Air Mauritius’s voluntary administration but was rejected.

This is not the first time Air Mauritius has sought international partnerships.

Founded in 1967, the airline was launched with the support of international carriers like Air France and British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), now British Airways.

Today, as Mauritius seeks to grow its tourism and aviation sectors, a deal with Qatar Airways could provide the capital and expertise needed to secure the national carrier’s future.

Source: Defi Media