Air Mauritius Reevaluates Additional A350-900 Orders Amid Strategic Fleet Review

Air Mauritius is currently engaged in discussions with Airbus to renegotiate its 2023 order for three additional A350-900 aircraft, a commitment made under the airline’s previous management team. This move reflects a critical reassessment of the airline’s long-term fleet strategy and network planning under the leadership of its current chairman, Kishore Beegoo.

Beegoo has openly questioned the commercial rationale behind the earlier decision to expand the A350-900 fleet by three units, describing it as lacking coherence with the airline’s evolving operational and financial realities. His concerns highlight the challenges faced by Air Mauritius as it navigates a complex recovery path marked by financial pressures and the need for a more sustainable growth model.

The Airbus A350-900, known for its advanced fuel efficiency, extended range, and passenger comfort, was initially seen as a cornerstone for Air Mauritius’ modernization and expansion ambitions. The aircraft’s capabilities align well with the airline’s focus on long-haul routes, particularly to Europe and Asia, where efficiency and enhanced passenger experience are critical competitive factors.

However, the airline’s current leadership is emphasizing a more cautious and pragmatic approach to fleet expansion. This includes aligning aircraft acquisitions more closely with realistic market demand forecasts, route profitability, and the airline’s financial health. The renegotiation talks with Airbus are part of this broader effort to optimize fleet composition and avoid overextension.

Since Kishore Beegoo took the helm in early 2025, he has prioritized operational efficiency, financial stability, and strategic clarity. His tenure has been marked by a willingness to challenge past decisions that may not serve the airline’s best interests in the long term. The reconsideration of the A350-900 order exemplifies this shift toward more disciplined fleet management.

Air Mauritius currently operates a mixed fleet that includes several A350-900s already in service, alongside Airbus A330neos and ATR turboprops for regional routes. The airline’s strategy has focused on modernizing its fleet to improve fuel efficiency and passenger comfort while maintaining flexibility to adapt to changing market conditions.

Renegotiating aircraft orders is not uncommon in the aviation industry, especially in times of market uncertainty or strategic realignment. Airlines often seek to adjust commitments to better reflect their evolving needs, sometimes deferring deliveries, reducing order quantities, or modifying contract terms. While such renegotiations can involve complex discussions around penalties and delivery schedules, they are essential tools for maintaining financial prudence.

For Air Mauritius, the outcome of these talks will be pivotal in shaping its future fleet profile and operational capabilities. The airline’s ability to balance growth ambitions with fiscal responsibility will be crucial as it competes in a challenging regional and international aviation market.

As the Indian Ocean region’s aviation landscape continues to recover and evolve post-pandemic, Air Mauritius’ strategic decisions on fleet management will influence its competitiveness and appeal to both leisure and business travelers. The airline’s focus on sustainable growth and network optimization signals a commitment to adapting to new market realities while preserving its role as a key connector for Mauritius and the wider region.