Air Mauritius Strengthens Regional Fleet with ATR72-600 Addition Amid Leadership Return
In a strategic move to bolster its regional connectivity, Air Mauritius is acquiring a nine-year-old ATR72-600 aircraft, currently stored in Toulouse and formerly operated by TAP Express, the regional subsidiary of TAP Air Portugal. This aircraft, owned by Nordic Aviation Capital (NAC), will join the airline’s growing ATR fleet, complementing a similar ATR72-600 delivered in December 2023.
The ATR72-600, a modern turboprop renowned for its efficiency and suitability for short-haul island operations, is a vital asset for Air Mauritius as it continues to enhance its regional network across the Indian Ocean. The new addition will integrate with the airline’s existing fleet of three ATR72-500s, although one of these older models is currently inactive, signaling a gradual fleet modernization and optimization effort.
Nordic Aviation Capital, a global leader in regional aircraft leasing, has been a key partner for Air Mauritius, providing flexible leasing solutions that enable the airline to maintain a right-sized, fuel-efficient fleet without the heavy capital expenditure of outright purchases. NAC’s expertise in regional aircraft leasing aligns well with the operational demands of island-hopping routes, where short takeoff and landing capabilities and cost-effective performance are paramount.
This fleet enhancement comes at a pivotal time for Air Mauritius, as the airline prepares for a new chapter under the leadership of Andre Viljoen, who is set to return as CEO in October 2025. Viljoen’s previous tenure from 2010 to 2015 was marked by a successful turnaround of the airline, including financial recovery and fleet modernization initiatives. His reappointment signals a renewed focus on sustainable growth, operational efficiency, and strategic expansion in a competitive regional market.
The ATR72-600’s advanced features, including more powerful engines, improved avionics, and superior fuel efficiency compared to its predecessors, make it an ideal choice for the airline’s short-haul routes connecting Mauritius with neighboring islands and regional hubs. These aircraft are particularly suited to the Indian Ocean’s unique geography, where many airports have shorter runways and infrastructure constraints.
Air Mauritius’s commitment to expanding and modernizing its ATR fleet reflects broader trends in the region, where turboprop aircraft play a crucial role in maintaining vital air links between islands. The ATR72-600’s operational flexibility and cost-effectiveness support the airline’s strategy to enhance regional connectivity, which is essential for tourism growth, business travel, and economic integration within the Indian Ocean basin.
As the airline navigates a post-pandemic recovery phase, the addition of this ATR72-600 will help Air Mauritius better match capacity with demand on regional routes, improve service reliability, and reduce operating costs. This aligns with the company’s broader growth strategy, which balances long-haul ambitions with a strong emphasis on regional network optimization.
With Viljoen’s return at the helm, Air Mauritius is poised to leverage its strengthened regional fleet to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the Indian Ocean market. The combination of modern aircraft, experienced leadership, and strategic partnerships like that with Nordic Aviation Capital positions the airline to enhance its role as a key connector in the region’s evolving aviation landscape.
