The African Union Commission is determined to help the African air sector play its role in the continent’s integration. To that effect, a high-level meeting was held a few weeks ago in Tunis on the “Strategy for development of air transport industry in Africa”. Four concrete measures have been taken to boost African airlines. Moreover, Air Mauritius will play a key role as its first vice-chair…

First of all, there will be an inter-airline cooperation that includes group purchase of fuel and insurance. Then, there will development of intra-African networks and a lowering in the price of air tickets. Finally, more emphasis will be put on African training centres.

To ensure that things go according to plan, the high-level meeting has appointed a bureau. The chair will be Tunis Air and the first vice-chair role goes to Air Mauritius. The chairman of Air Mauritius, Sanjay Bhuckory expressed his delight with this apointment: “I feel really honoured with this nomination. The management of Air Mauritius is now working towards the realisation and the success of this partnership with the African Development Bank Group.” Answering to a question from l’express on an eventual opening of the Mauritian skies, Sanjay Bhuckory explained that Air Mauritius does not mind the competition but everything will depend on the criteria set. The other companies would have to operate without a commercial approach but should be customer-focused.

On the other hand, Air Mauritius requires some time to adapt to a more competitive environment. “The opening of air access in inevitable! We do agree with this! But what we are asking is some time to adapt and a level playing field. In this connection, you need to realize that Air Mauritius has always survived and that it will always do!” explained the chairman of the national airline.

The meeting in Tunis was organised by the African Union Commission in collaboration with the African Development Bank Group, the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa and the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).