Air Mauritius Appoints Dhiren Dabee as New Chairman Amid ‘Huge Challenge’

Air Mauritius has appointed former Solicitor General Dhiren Dabee as its new Chairman, with immediate effect, following the resignation of Kishore Beegoo on 23 October. The national airline’s Board of Directors confirmed the move, which comes as the carrier continues to grapple with “persistent difficulties”, including “pressing financial and technical issues.”

Dabee Acknowledges Scale of Responsibility

In a measured response, Mr. Dabee, 68, acknowledged the gravity of the role, stating the appointment was unexpected.

“It is a huge challenge and a huge responsibility, but they are not mine alone,” he declared.

He added that he accepted the decision as it was the wish of the majority shareholder and endorsed by the other board members.

The seasoned lawyer, who has served on the board previously and was reappointed in January, cited the challenges confronting the airline since the board was reconstituted earlier this year.

The biggest concerns are the “financial state and future financial commitments” related to aircraft already ordered, with payment deadlines fast approaching.

He also highlighted a “problem of recurrent technical faults” which have led to planes being grounded in various capitals.

“A lot of work has been accomplished to try and clean up the situation since January. It will not happen overnight. It will take months, perhaps years, during which we will have to rise to the challenges to see Air Mauritius flying again as it did in the early 2000s, or even before 2000,” the new Chairman explained.

Confidence in Leadership Team

Despite the difficulties, Mr. Dabee expressed confidence in the existing structure and team. He praised the “very good technical team” at the head of Air Mauritius.

The airline, he noted, will benefit from the guidance of the holding company, AHL (Airport Holdings Ltd), chaired by Megh Pillay, and the expertise of CEO André Viljoen, an aviation expert with a proven track record at Fiji Airways.

“We expect a lot from our CEO and our administrative and technical staff. Together, we can always do better and we will work to overcome the challenges in the months and years to come,” he stated.

In a press release issued on 28 November, the Board of Directors welcomed the appointment and assured Mr. Dabee of their “full support and cooperation.”

Profile: Dhiren Dabee

Mr. Dabee is a specialist in labour law, industrial relations, and contract negotiation. He holds a degree in law and political science from the University of Birmingham and was called to the bar at Middle Temple in 1981.

He retired as Solicitor General in 2021 and currently serves as a legal advisor in the Attorney-General’s office. His extensive public service career includes roles as:

• President of the Medical Board.
• Vice-President of the Financial Services Commission (FSC).
• President of the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
• President of the control and arbitration committee of the Mauritius Cane Industry Authority (MCIA).

Dhiren Dabee has also served on the boards of Metro Express Ltd, State Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, and Mauritius Telecom, and played a pivotal role in bilateral air services negotiations.

Source: Defi Media