SOUTH AFRICA is to be included in the route network of a new privately-owned Mauritius-based regional airline which expects to launch in November 1998 if given its government's go-ahead.
According to Travel News Weekly, the airline, African Islands Airways (AIA), plans flights on a regular twice-a-week basis to Reunion, the Comores, Seychelles, Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and East African destinations as well as major South African airports - Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban - from the outset.
Malawi, Zambia and Botswana are to be included at a later date.
The airline's success will depend on its ability to operate profitable routes such as South Africa and Reunion and is currently negotiating with Air Mauritius in this respect. A feasibility study revealed that one strong backer was essential, and an airline would be preferable.
AIA has offered Air Mauritius equity shares. Should they decline, however, Nimesh says AIA would assume direct competition with the national carrier on key routes, while a further option is to attract a foreign partner which is a reputable national carrier.
AIA will launch its operation with two new 737-300 aircraft, one bought and one leased. A third aircraft will be added to the fleet in the airline' s third year of operation.
