Air carrier " official " from Réunion Island, Air Austral is facing intense competition on its routes to mainland France - its main market - with three other carriers (Air France, Corsair, XL Airways), to which a fifth competitor, French Blue, will be added in June. However, Air Austral does not seem to be frightened by this competition. " We're used to competition and we have the weapons to fight it, particularly with a quality product and a wide range of services. Above all, we are a high-quality company "explains Jean-Marc Grazzini, Air Austral Senior Vice President Sales & Marketing.
The company is de facto the biggest carrier on the island with an average market share of 48%, including more than 35% on the Réunion-Paris route. And since it is now profitable, its renewed financial health is reflected in a network expansionthe delivery of new aircraft and new on-board services. In the 2015/2016 fiscal year, net profit reached €11 million for a sales of €345 million.
The airline has begun taking delivery of its new long-haul aircraft (Boeing 787 and Boeing B777-300), with the first Boeing 787 now in service on the Paris-Mayotte route. The second aircraft, delivered in October, will increase frequencies to Mauritius and Mayotte - both from Paris and La Réunion - as well as adding frequencies to Asia.
" The Asian network will see the strongest growth this winter, with 40% more capacity than at the same time last year. "warns Jean-Marc Grazzini. " The main new feature is the doubling of the St Denis-Chennai (Madras)-Bangkok route. This was requested by our customers. We will now be offering two non-stop flights a week by Boeing 787 with long-haul on-board service. "he adds. An agreement exists with Thai Airways International which allows Air Austral passengers to benefit from a vast network of connections to the rest of South East Asia as well as China and Japan.
The service to Chennai will be operated by Boeing 737-800. Air Austral has just signed a partnership with Air IndiaThis will enable Air Austral to offer codeshare flights to Bombay, Delhi and Kochi. For its part, Air India will affix its code to Air Austral's routes from St Denis to Johannesburg, the Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar. On its regional routes, the airline will be offering more capacity to Johannesburg as well as to Madagascar and Mauritius with the introduction of Boeing 737-800s to the latter two destinations.
All aboard, Air Austral will be investing in its in-flight services. Business class passengers now benefit from fully reclining bed seats, with the distance between rows now 198 cm instead of 152 cm previously. " We have also reworked the comfort of our Premium Economy aircraft. We will be offering a more comfortable seat with a 96 cm seat pitch and now a leg rest. Economy passengers will benefit from large video screens, a USB charger, integrated power sockets and integrated wifi by the end of the year. "says Jean-Marc Grazzini.
Another comfort innovation - aimed at potential couples or families - is the possibility of renting three seats side by side, which can be turned into a couchette. " We will have 3 x 3 sleeper seats in Boeing 777s, particularly on Paris flights. "says Jean-Marc Grazzini. These innovations are designed to justify the company's new slogan: " On the plane, just like at home" .
