Air Mauritius is exploring the possibility of acquiring new aircraft to aid its recovery from near bankruptcy. The airline aims to augment its fleet with narrowbody jets such as the Airbus A321XLR and the Airbus A350-900, planned to arrive by 2028, as part of an effort to restore key regional and long-haul routes to Europe and Africa.
The decision-making process involves comparing Airbus's A321neo and the A321XLR derivatives against Boeing's 737 MAX series, considering factors like cost, operating expenses, and delivery schedules. The airline's recent history has been marked by financial strain, including a reported need of USD 344 million in March 2025, with years of operational setbacks, management instability, and pandemic pressures contributing to its fragile state.
Despite these challenges, the airline is working towards fleet stability and operational efficiency. Its previous reliance on Airbus aircraft, such as the A330 and A350, suggests a possible preference for European manufacturers, especially as they offer fleet commonality advantages that may be beneficial during recovery.
This potential fleet expansion represents a strategic move to rebuild passenger confidence and operational viability. The airline's future growth will depend heavily on these fleet decisions, aimed at creating a low-cost, flexible network capable of sustaining itself amid ongoing industry disruptions.
