What's Happening?
Madagascar Airlines and French carrier Corsair have announced an expansion of their commercial partnership, focusing on new route agreements and fleet enhancements. This collaboration aims to improve connectivity between Madagascar, Reunion, and France. A new codeshare agreement, effective from September 18, covers flights between Antananarivo, Madagascar, and Saint-Denis, Reunion, operated by Corsair with two weekly frequencies. This service complements the existing Antananarivo–Paris Orly route, with Madagascar Airlines marketing the flights under its own code. Additionally, an interline agreement allows Corsair customers access to Madagascar Airlines’ domestic network and selected routes via connections at the Antananarivo hub. Madagascar Airlines CEO Thierry de Bailleul emphasized the increased choice and flexibility for customers and the closer ties between Madagascar, Reunion, and France.
Why It's Important?
The expanded partnership between Madagascar Airlines and Corsair is significant for enhancing regional connectivity and tourism. Madagascar Airlines, which began operations in April 2022, aims to boost passenger growth by 15% to 20% over the next six years, targeting 750,000 passengers by 2028. This aligns with the government's ambition to attract one million tourists by that time. The partnership is expected to contribute to economic growth in Madagascar by facilitating easier travel and potentially increasing tourism revenue. Corsair's fleet renewal, including the delivery of its ninth Airbus A330neo, further supports the enhanced service offerings.
What's Next?
Madagascar Airlines plans to continue expanding its fleet, with a sixth ATR 72 expected to arrive in April 2026. The airline's growth strategy includes increasing passenger numbers and enhancing service quality. The partnership with Corsair is likely to evolve further, potentially leading to additional route expansions and increased flight frequencies. Stakeholders, including tourism operators and local businesses, may benefit from increased tourist arrivals and improved connectivity.
