" Keeping up with demand and discontinuing services on loss-making routes" . This is the leitmotiv that now follows Reunion's national airline Air Australaccording to Claire Tabakian, CCO. " We are in a growth phase on the routes we currently operate. But we are adapting our offer exactly to customer demand to avoid any slippage." she says.
The carrier continues its recovery with the aim of returning to breakeven as quickly as possible. And to resume its role as Réunion's leading airline.
Tailor-made services on the Paris-La Réunion route
For the 2024/2025 winter timetable, this caution is reflected in the reinforcement of several lines. In Paris, the carrier had a difficult summer, mainly due to the impact of the 2024 Olympic Games, which led to a drop in demand. " However, our direct Paris-Mayotte flight recorded an increase in load factor to 93%." says Claire Tabakian.
Also this winter, the airline offers up to 11 weekly flights between Paris and Saint-Denis de la Réunion. As well as up to 7 weekly flights between Paris and Mayotte.. On the important La Réunion-Mayotte route, Air Austral flies up to 16 times a week.
On the other hand, Air Austral boosts capacity to Madagascar and Thailand. " In particular, we are increasing the number of flights on Nosy BeMadagascar's resort island. We offer 4 weekly flights and even a fifth flight for the winter holidays. These frequencies are in addition to the 4 weekly flights to Tananarive and other regional destinations in neighbouring Madagascar." says Claire Tabakian.
Success in Bangkok
Another highly successful line: La Réunion-Bangkok, now one of the world's leading international routes. The company adds a third weekly frequency by Boeing 787 Dreamliner during the high season. Bangkok remains the airline's only destination in Asia, with easy connections to the rest of the continent thanks to an agreement with Thai Airways International.
Finally, Claire Tabakian confirmed that Air Austral was not currently planning any flights to other destinations in France. " This is another excellent air/rail product with SNCF with connections to 18 cities served by TGV from CDG" says Air Austral's COO.
On the service side, the company has called on the talents of a new chef, Kévène Marimoutou of the Iloha in Saint-Leu. Its creations are available to Austral Club Class passengers, as well as to Comfort and Leisure Class passengers at an additional cost. Last but not least, the company will be renovating its lounge on the airport in Réunion.
