Air Madagascar : New Airbus Expected

A positive outlook. After months of suspense, Air Madagascar has finally reported in an official manner its acquisition of two Airbus. With these two devices, the company expects to increase its revenue by 25%. " Moreover, these two aircraft will allow us to best meet market demand. Not only was the most seats but also increases cargo capacity, " says Hugues Ratsiferana, the Chief of Air Madagascar, during the press conference at the headquarters in Analakely Friday.

As explained by the company, the drivers of these devices have special characteristics that not only will reduce in a consistent manner the cost of maintenance, but they also have low levels of fuel consumption and emissions. " This is taking into account all these advantages that we have chosen the two Airbus aircraft , "said the Director General on the choice of Airbus.

French Crew

" But the offer from Air France is also the best we have obtained. That Boeing does not really fit our expectations. Either it's too much, or it is insufficient " , he says. He did not fail to stress that the acquisition of these two devices does not mean that Air Madagascar will draw a line under Boeing. Moreover, one of two Boeing that triggered the restriction of Air Madagascar by the European Commission, currently served in Asia, if the other is returned to its owner. As for the B777 aircraft of the Euro-Atlantic, " it was an open contract, it will conduct its last flight Tuesday, " Hughes reveals Ratsiferana.

The first Airbus will land, for its part, the Ivato International Airport Thursday. If the device carries the colors of Air Madagascar, the crew will consist of Air France staff. "Because of the restriction, the crew of the national company will not immediately take over the device. By cons, we will conduct a negotiation with the French Civil Aviation and the European Commission for this to happen soon, even if the restriction remains in effect, "says managing director of Air Madagascar. Both devices, the second is due on 26 June, will not bear the registration and Malagasy.

Not a question of age

The contract with Air France, which already owns 3.48% of the shares of Air Madagascar, states that both devices will return to it after six years of renting. The A340-300 is expected Thursday to 14 years and one in June, 12.Either at the end of the contract, they will have flown for 20 and 18. But Hugues Ratsiferana indicates that the development of a company does not depend on the age of its aircraft but their operation and maintenance. It reassures and the acquisition of these two devices will not be a loss for the national company.