The 767s will leave the Air Mauritius fleet within the next two years and will most probably be converted into tankers or freighters.

The executive floor of Air Mauritius Centre had a special feel on Friday afternoon. A special board meeting lasting more than four hours had just finished. Airbus and Boeing representatives stood grinning, confident of having done a good job in presenting their cases.

Air Mauritius is on the verge of replacing its two ageing Boeing 767s by brand new airplanes. Friday’s presentation allowed directors to get more involved in the technical and commercial offers. Boeing flaunted the merits of the B777-200ER while Airbus glamourised the A330-200. But, as the directors trickled out of the boardroom, they were cons-cious of the impact their decision would have on the future of the national airline.

The replacement of the two 767s kicks off the rejuvenation of the Air Mauritius fleet. Until now, the airline has mixed and matched between Airbus and Boeing aircrafts. If it goes for the A330-200, it will find itself with an Airbus only fleet. If it chooses the B 777-200ER, it will continue the mixed fleet legacy.

The airline currently operates two B767s, two A319s and five A340s. Both Boeing and Airbus are trying to con-vince Air Mauritius to abandon any idea of a mixed fleet. The airline is keeping its options open and its cards close to its chest but knows that the choice also lies with government.

Airbus and Boeing have lobbied hard in the corridors of power. The State is keen on an offset deal to mitigate the impact of the aircraft purchase on the country’s finances. The acquisition of two brand new airplanes will cost Rs 15 billion, which represent a phenomenal exit of foreign exchange. Government wants to minimise the economic consequences by demanding certain guarantees from Boeing and Airbus. Both have promised investment, trade enhancement and technology transfer. However, no Mauritian company has been deemed fit to supply the manufacturers.

Drop in the ocean

A decision on the choice of aircraft should be announced by January. Officials insist the airline will not rush as the implications are too important. However, the directors are aware that the B767s are already 17 years old. The new aircrafts will be delivered only 18 months after being ordered as their assembly is time consuming.

By the time the new B777-200ERs or A330-200s painted in Air Mauritius colours land at Plaisance, the old 767s will be 19 years old. They already do not meet modern standards of efficiency and comfort. Their replacement is critical, especially as competition hots up in the aviation industry and fuel prices hit the roof. The airline has already been prospected by potential buyers, who want to transform the airplanes into flying tankers or freighters. It knows it will have to act quickly to get the best prices when there is a demand for this type of aircraft.

The purchase of two new aircrafts is a milestone for Air Mauritius but represents a drop in the ocean for the manufacturers. Even if the company were to change its entire fleet in one go, the order would still be small when compared to other airlines’ invoices. However, both Airbus and Boeing woo Air Mauritius because of the goodwill they are bound to gain from the airline’s eventual choice. In the small and closed world of commercial aviation, the Mauritian company is seen as a mature airline with special requirements. It is one of the rare small carriers operating short, medium and long haul routes.

The duel between Airbus and Boeing is set to continue. It will go on even after Air Mauritius announces its choice for the replacement of the 767s. This will be of little comfort to Air Mauritius directors. Dazed after Friday’s presentations, they must have realised they are in it for the long haul.