Scrap the red tape, bring out the red carpet. Those wishing to travel to Mauritius in style and in the comfort of their private aeroplanes will experience the ultimate fast track treatment at Plaisance as from April 2006. Airports of Mauritius Limited (AML) is investing Rs 120 millions to create a dedicated corporate jets area.

The aim is to stimulate the up-and-coming market of executive jets. Last year, 365 movements of such aeroplanes were registered at the airport. A year earlier, the figure was 337. Such an increase having been achieved without targeted marketing, AML is already licking its lips at the prospects of the forthcoming corporate jets area.

?With dedicated facilities, Plaisance is sure to attract even more executive aeroplanes and create a niche market for the tourism industry? says Vijay Poonoosamy, AML?s Executive Chairman.

AML is convinced the corporate jets area will firmly place Mauritius on the luxury travel market. The country is already a five-star dream destination, but boasting about special facilities for private jets is a different ball game altogether. Those travelling in such aircraft are high net worth individuals roaming the globe for business or tourism. Some rent their planes from charter companies while others possess their own or use their companies? aeroplanes.

They travel in style and their spending power is virtually limitless, but they expect no less than red carpet treatment. After all, they account for 3% of travellers but account for 20% of tourism revenues worlwide. Most have been quitting first class for private jets since September 2001 as theis gives them more control on their security and flexibility on their time_table.

Service to Agalega

In fifteen months? time, private jets will still land on the same runway as the bigger commercial aircrafts but will no longer use the same taxiway. They will move towards a dedicated zone which will be erected in the space between the fire station and the National Coast Guard hangar. Up to six aircrafts will be able to park on the new apron. The passengers will clear customs and immigration within minutes.

Two local companies have already signed up to the project. IBL Aviation will build a hangar which will house a terminal as well as its new aircraft. The company will welcome a Beech 1900D shortly. The aircraft will be used to serve an exclusive tourist resort which IBL plans to develop on Agaléga in the near future.

General Aviation Mauritius (GAM) will develop an even bigger hangar as it plans to launch itself into a full-fledged charter operation. The company will rent private jets from its Mauritius base and will also provide ground services to executive airplanes landing at Plaisance. GAM?s hangar will be able to house jets up to an Airbus A 319 size aircraft.

Meanwhile, AML is ready to listen to airlines wishing to serve Mauritius with the newly launched A 380. Plaisance will need a longer and wider runway as well as double-decker passenger boarding bridges so as to be able to welcome Airbus?s latest aircraft ? the biggest commercial aircraft ever built. Air Mauritius insists the A380 is too big for its needs. However, Emirates and Air France, two airlines serving Mauritius, are among the first purchasers.

?If the airlines wish to serve Mauritius with an A380, we will make the necessary changes? promises Vijay Poonoosamy.

The work could still be included in the airport extension plans. A consultant will soon be appointed and work is due to start in October. Plaisance is set to be a huge building site over the next three years. The five star airport is shaping up.

Corsair?s wings clipped

■ The first move on the air access chessboard was subtle but in the end, indiscretion clipped Corsair?s wings. France?s second biggest airline has wanted to serve Mauritius for years. Its previous demands always fell on deaf ears. December?s Asian tsunami was a like a light at the end of the tunnel. While suspending its flights to the Maldives, it was approached by tour operators and local hoteliers. Corsair proposed a weekly Paris-Mauritius flight via La Réunion. Its gaffe, however, was to issue a communiqué announcing a Mauritius flight as early as next February, before getting the green light. Air Mauritius?s response has been firm. The national airline insists there is no need for additional capacity on the France-Mauritius route, adding that Corsair?s demand was ?inopportune, inelegant and unjustified.?