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Mauritius should continue to focus on aviation as strategic enabler - IATA

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the government of Mauritius to continue to focus on aviation as a strategic enabler
of the country’s economic and social development.

"The key elements of any aviation strategy are safety, global standards, competitiveness and cooperation. But Mauritius and other small island states have a critical competitive advantage in implementing an aviation strategy—and that is size," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director
general and CEO in a keynote address at Aviation Day Mauritius. The island is marking the 50th year of independence.

"The goal of a comprehensive aviation strategy is to enable aviation to drive economic and social development. That will mean a successful future for Air Mauritius — the home-town carrier that serves the market as a lifeline. And it will create opportunities for other carriers to augment the prosperity that aviation brings with robust competition."

Key elements of a comprehensive aviation strategy would include safety. IATA encouraged Mauritius to take a leadership role in fulfilling its Abuja Declaration commitment to recognise the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) in its safety oversight regulatory framework.

De Juniac said global standards are the foundation of international civil aviation. This includes the industry’s responsible approach to managing its climate change impact.

Mauritius ranks high in many categories of the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report. This includes a fourth-place ranking for prioritisation of travel and tourism in government policy. But it ranks 116th on price competitiveness largely driven by ticket taxes, airport charges and fuel costs.

"These are big pain points for airlines. Policies to improve competitiveness in these areas would boost aviation’s ability to deliver its economic benefits," said De Juniac.

IATA urged dialogue with the airlines as Mauritius embarks on a project to more than double the capacity of Sir Seewoosugur Ramgoolam Airport to 9 million passengers annually.

"Mauritius has impressive connectivity. But there are many markets that have still to discover Mauritian hospitality. And no single airline can provide the connectivity that is needed. Partnerships with other airlines are enhancing the nation’s connectivity," said de Juniac.

He also noted the strategic location of Mauritius between Asia and Southern Africa.

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