Mauritian Aviation Pioneer & First Long-Haul Captain Dominique Paturau Dies at 76

Dominique Paturau, the legendary aviator who became the first Mauritian to captain long-haul flights for the national carrier, has passed away in France at the age of 76. A defining figure in the history of Air Mauritius, Captain Paturau’s 36-year career was synonymous with the modernisation of the island’s aerial links to the world. The airline paid tribute to him on Facebook, stating that his professionalism, dedication, and pride in representing the nation would remain “forever engraved in memory.”

A Trailblazing Career

Born on 19 August 1949, Paturau joined Air Mauritius in 1978. He broke new ground as the first Mauritian admitted to the world-renowned École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC) in Toulouse.

Over nearly four decades, he rose through the ranks from crew member to captain, instructor, and eventually Chief Pilot—a position he held for nearly 30 years.

At the time of his retirement in 2014, he was the longest-serving Mauritian pilot at the airline.

His technical expertise spanned several generations of aircraft, including:

• Twin Otter
• Boeing 747
• Airbus A340

Flying Popes and Presidents

Captain Paturau was frequently entrusted with high-profile missions. He famously flew Pope John Paul II to Rodrigues, an occasion marked by the Pontiff signing Paturau’s flight log.

He also transported numerous heads of state, including former French President Jacques Chirac.

Beyond these diplomatic flights, Paturau was instrumental in modernising the national fleet.

He participated in the delivery of the airline’s first ATR 42 and Airbus A340, personally ferrying the latter from the factory in Toulouse to Mauritius.

During his career, he also flew for Lufthansa, serving major transatlantic routes to New York, Boston, and Washington.

Legacy and Retirement

Following his final flight from Paris in August 2014 at the age of 65, Paturau remained a vocal advocate for the industry.

He campaigned for the “Mauritianisation” of Air Mauritius and championed better dialogue between management and flight crews.

Outside the cockpit, he was known as a passionate sportsman with a deep love for the sea and nautical activities.

He is remembered not only as a pioneer who helped build a national airline but as a man who embodied the roadmap to authenticity and professional excellence.

Source: Defi Media