New Airbus Order Soon

Airbus has been put forward an RFP by Air Mauritius as the carrier looks to renew and grow its fleet.

The airline confirmed the RFP in a recent filing, stating that the Request for Proposal aims to select a service provider that can deliver a successful scope of services through its aircraft.

Air Mauritius states that it has been studying various fleet options, which are based on its existing network, in order to determine the future fleet plan.

At its core, Air Mauritius is turning to Airbus to replace its interim A330-200 fleet, harness future fleet growth, achieve a return on investment, and gain greater flexibility and resilience across its operations.

Air Mauritius already has the Airbus A350 to its name, and notwithstanding the direction of orders, is directly seeking aircraft types such as the A350. A deal would see further units purchased, including the widebody A330neo and the narrowbody A320neo or A321neo.

What’s Next For Air Mauritius & Airbus?

What will occur now is that a review and analysis will be conducted into the operating and fleet plan, with particular respect to the adequacy between the planned network and the future fleet composition.

Next, an assistance program will be launched to develop a campaign strategy that leverages partnerships with aircraft and engine manufacturers, as well as lessors, to secure the best possible deal.

Additionally, assistance will be provided throughout the evaluation of proposals to ensure the best decision is made internally; this will also include assistance during pivotal contract negotiations.

Financial assistance will be required, and the scope will identify finances to support the fleet acquisition in whichever direction is chosen.

Air Mauritius is hopeful that with the consultancy’s assistance, this will be completed in the shortest timeframe possible, with a view to urgency.

The evaluation and selection of the Airbus aircraft will follow careful evaluation and negotiations with the selected bidder, which the consultancy believes has submitted the best proposal.

With such a future contract, Airbus will undoubtedly work closely with Air Mauritius and consultants to present the best options for the fleet, with a decision to be made in the end.

A Fight For Survival?

Talk of Air Mauritius looking to expand its fleet is a far cry from September reporting, which suggested that the business was in a fight for survival.

The airline at the time was reportedly keen on what would turn out to be an investment in a minority stake in order to help the struggling island nation carrier move ahead.

For Air Mauritius, years of turmoil have put the business at a breaking point. In March 2025, it was also reported that the airline was on the verge of shutting down without several fundamental changes being implemented to avert a crisis.

Current management is well aware that the airline has faced many years of poor financial decisions, which have compounded over time and put the airline into disarray. While increasing expenses are part of the reason, it’s not the only factor.

Elements of the business, such as poor route decisions, have also been highlighted, where management’s actions led to losses ballooning due to a market presence in specific locations that was not sustainable.