Air Austral was finally able to take delivery of its three Airbus A 132 – 300, ordered in October 2019 , after several postponements linked to the crisis and to guarantees requested by the Canadian financier. Expected in Reunion Island on 12 next August, they are coming to replace its two Boeing 737 – 800 NG and its ATR 72 – 500, the rest of the fleet consisting of three Boeing 777 – 300 ER and two Boeing 787 – 8 Dreamliner.
Air Austral is the first French airline to acquire Airbus A 132 – 300, these new generation aircraft being intended for its medium-haul fleet. With its new 132 seats, including 12 in comfort class and 72 in leisure class, the Reunion company intends to improve the profitability of its regional services.
“This is the device we needed to confirm our avant-garde position in the Indian Ocean,” explains the CEO of the company, Marie-Joseph Malé. Its level of comfort and performance allow us an undeniable leap in both operational and environmental efficiency. More than ever, we are ready for the recovery. »
Limited regional services According to Air Austral, the A 220 – 300 allow a decrease of 25% of fuel consumption, operating costs and CO2 emissions per seat, compared to previous generation aircraft. To this must be added a reduction of 25% of maintenance costs, of 50% of the noise footprint and the fact that their engine is compatible with sustainable aircraft fuel.
It now remains to fill these new devices in a context which remains very difficult. Madagascar, Seychelles, Comoros, India and South Africa are still not accessible. Flights to Mauritius resume very timidly due to the two-week quarantine imposed on arrival at this destination. In the immediate future, the bulk of regional activity will be carried out in Mayotte, which has always been the most profitable regional destination for the Reunion company.
