Air Austral now on the right track

Having come close to bankruptcy after the global pandemic, France contributed to its rescue by injecting €120-million 2020 and a further €60-million in 2021 - both in the form of guaranteed loans.

Air Austral subsequently won the title of ‘Best Overall Airline’ in Africa at the 2022 ‘APEX Passenger Choice’ awards.

Bréma’s restructuring plan – targeted for completion by 2025 - had previously required the approval both of the State and the European Commission. Initially, Jean-François Carenco, the minister delegate for overseas territories, wanted a merger with French airline Corsair - via a holding company - while keeping the identity of each company.

Ultimately, a consortium of 27 local private investors took 55.18% of the capital of Air Austral. The remaining capital is held by the regional semi-public Sematra company and it’s thanks to this that the airline's debt has been reduced to an estimated €65-million.

Air traffic has indeed resumed at Roland Garros international airport with an increase of 6% compared to 2019. There is also better visibility of Reunion as a destination internationally - and in particular throughout Asia.