Island Hopping Made Easier: Now, Air Mauritius Adds ATR72-600 to Strengthen Regional Tourism

Published on August 20, 2025

Air Mauritius is sharpening its regional reach with the arrival of a brand-new ATR72-600 turboprop. The nine-year-old bird, previously in the TAP Express fleet, is being leased from Nordic Aviation Capital and will slot neatly into the carrier’s Indian Ocean network. The infusion is poised to drive tourist numbers and tighten travel bonds between Mauritius and its neighbouring islands: Rodrigues, Seychelles, Reunion, and Madagascar. The ATR72-600, flown in at the tail end of 2023, sits alongside the airline’s other ATR72s, and paves the way for its gradual shift to fresher, greener metal. The timing is telling. Air Mauritius is rolling out the welcome mat to Andre Viljoen, who is returning to the cockpit after a successful turn in the hot seat from 2010 to 2015 that lifted the airline from losses to profit.

Strengthening Regional Connectivity for Tourism Growth

The ATR72-600 was crafted for short-haul island hops, perfectly matching the Indian Ocean’s layout. Its ability to scan short runways meets the practical needs of many island airports that don’t have the luxury of long strips. Air Mauritius plans to deploy the aircraft to shore up links to hot spots like Seychelles, Rodrigues, and Reunion, drawing travelers hunting for turquoise lagoons, upscale retreats, and untouched shorelines.

The fleet add-on is one piece of Air Mauritius’s larger game plan to give the regional network a firmer backbone and respond to the rising appetite for flights to Mauritius and nearby gems. The Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority (MTPA) stresses that beefing up air connections is crucial to keeping Mauritius the go-to choice for inbound tourists seeking sun-drenched escape and memorable experiences.

One of the cornerstones of Mauritius’ regional tourism strategy is the ATR72-600, celebrated for its fuel efficiency and low operating costs. This aircraft suits the Indian Ocean’s distinctive short-haul markets perfectly, and its entry into the Air Mauritius fleet will raise capacity on the busiest regional routes. During peak tourist periods, the ATR will ensure that seats are available when they are most needed, allowing the airline to maintain schedules without compromise. Smooth, reliable flight links to Mauritius and the surrounding islands will transform the journey for many visitors, seamlessly blending beach, culture and adventure into a single itinerary.

Fleet modernization remains a priority for Air Mauritius, and the ATR72-600 will reduce maintenance and fuel costs across the regional operation. This saving enhances the airline’s competitiveness on short, tourism-driven hops while creating room for additional routes. The updated fleet will be a stronger magnet for travellers from Africa, Europe and the Middle East, many of whom are drawn to the diverse history and natural wonders of the Indian Ocean. The Mauritius Tourism Board has already underscored the connection between improved regional air links and rising international arrivals, and the ATR is a central part of the strategy to broaden the island’s appeal across the entire region.

Leadership Return and Strategic Tourism Growth

With Andre Viljoen resuming the CEO position in October 2025, Air Mauritius is gearing up for measured advances in the competitive Indian Ocean tourism arena. Viljoen’s previous term saw the airline update its fleet, restore finances, and cement key relationships, setting a foundation for further regional leverage. His renewed guidance is anticipated to accentuate tourism route expansions, now bolstered by the introduction of the ATR72-600s.

By adding more turboprop aircraft, the airline is in step with renewed island-hopping demand, a critical element in stabilizing and diversifying the tourism pipeline. This fleet broadening dovetails with national objectives, supplying direct links to emerging and established tourism nodes. The ATR72s, with their ability to balance passenger and cargo uplift, enable Air Mauritius to match the regional upturn in intra-island travel and freight needs in a single sustainable swoop.

ATR72-600: An Asset Powering Sustainable Tourism Expansion

The ATR72-600 stands out due to its minimal environmental footprint. Its cutting-edge engines and aerodynamics lead to lower fuel burn and greatly curbed carbon output versus earlier models. This aligns seamlessly with the rising demand for responsible tourism. The Mauritius Tourism Authority has pledged to champion green travel, and the airline’s updated fleet is a crucial contributor, enabling a surge in arrivals while safeguarding the island’s pristine nature.

Not only does the new ATR72-600 tighten regional and inter-island networks, it also appeals directly to the conscious traveller. By presenting a greener substitute for short hops, Air Mauritius strengthens its fleet-modernisation push and reinforces a sustainable brand, supporting both carbon-reduction commitments and the evolving tourism landscape.

Adding the ATR72-600 to the fleet will give the economy of Mauritius and the wider region a welcome uplift by bringing more leisure and business travelers to our shores. Seamless air links remain the bedrock for trade, MICE business, and holiday trips across Mauritius and the neighbouring islands. The Mauritius Tourism Board has made it clear that stronger regional tourism infrastructure is essential for the industry’s sustainable, long-term rise, and our fleet expansion is a practical step in that larger picture.

Conclusion

Air Mauritius’ recent purchase of the ATR72-600 turboprop marks a pivotal move toward tighter regional networks and a bold wager on tourism expansion across the Indian Ocean. Coupled with a refreshed management team under Andre Viljoen and a sleek, modern fleet, the flag carrier is primed to shepherd the regional visitor economy into its next growth phase. Once the new turboprop takes to the skies, the airline will deepen its service footprint, underscoring Mauritius’ standing as a premier hub for holidaymakers and corporate travelers alike, and knitting together the island and its near neighbors with effortless frequency and comfort.