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Aviation drives economic prosperity for Mauritius
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The International Air Transport Association (IATA) called on the government of Mauritius to continue to focus on aviation as a strategic enabler of the country’s economic and social development.
"The leaders of Mauritius have always understood that air connectivity is vital. As we celebrate the first half-century of the country’s success, let’s keep in mind the critical role that aviation plays as a pillar of the economy. And let’s look to the next fifty years with a comprehensive strategic focus on maximizing the benefits of aviation for this island nation," said Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s director general and CEO in a keynote address to Aviation Day Mauritius, which is marking the 50th year of Mauritian independence.
"The key elements of any aviation strategy are safety, global standards, competitiveness and cooperation. But Mauritius and other small island states have a critical competitive advantage in implementing an aviation strategy - and that is size. The country is small enough to rally the aviation universe—the airlines, the airport, the tourism infrastructure - to agree a strategy and to get it implemented quickly and nimbly," said de Juniac.
"The goal of a comprehensive aviation strategy is to enable aviation to drive economic and social development. That will mean a successful future for Air Mauritius - the home-town carrier that serves the market as a lifeline. And it will create opportunities for other carriers to augment the prosperity that aviation brings with robust competition," said de Juniac.
Key elements
Key elements of a comprehensive aviation strategy would include:
IATA urged dialogue with the airlines as Mauritius embarks on a project to more than double the capacity of Sir Seewoosugur Ramgoolam Airport to nine million passengers annually.
"The airport is probably the most valuable few kilometres of concrete ever poured on this island. The return on the investment for the economy is immense. There must be an open dialogue with the airlines to ensure that development provides sufficient capacity, technical excellence aligned to airline needs and affordable costs," said de Juniac. IATA urged the establishment of an independent regulator to ensure that infrastructure costs are kept competitive.
De Juniac also noted the strategic location of Mauritius between Asia and Southern Africa.
"Mauritius is well-placed to grow its footprint in Africa. It is accessible - only requiring visas from six African countries. Cooperation with South African Airways and Kenya Airways opened two gateways into the African continent. And the Single Africa Air Transport Market creates the potential for even broader connectivity. For sure Africa’s development will demand increased air connectivity with Asia’s important markets. Could Mauritius evolve as a one-stop hub, efficiently connecting Southern African markets to points in Asia-Pacific?" said de Juniac.
Business of freedom
"We know that aviation brings in the tourists, that it connects us to family and friends, and that it is a catalyst for economic, social and educational ties. The post-independence success story that is Mauritius today would be very different without connectivity that can only be facilitated by air. Aviation is the business of freedom - and that includes the freedom to develop," said de Juniac.
Source: African Press Organisation
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