Madagascar Airlines Expects Normal Operations by Week’s End
Madagascar Airlines (MGY, Antananarivo) anticipates a return to normal operations by the end of this week following a series of disruptions caused by multiple factors. The airline has faced delays due to the breakdown of a DHC-8-Q400 wet-leased from CemAir (5Z, Johannesburg O.R. Tambo), maintenance issues with its ATR72 fleet, and ongoing delays in the delivery of new ATR72-500s.
On November 11, Madagascar Airlines explained that operational challenges had been affecting flights since November 8, when the CemAir Q400 (ZS-DHD, msn 4103) broke down. This reduced the airline’s operations to two aircraft, with a replacement Q400 from CemAir expected by November 13. In the meantime, CemAir has provided a 50-seat DHC-8-Q300 (ZS-DHA, msn 571).
The airline’s ATR72-600 (5R-EJB, msn 1248) is also expected to return to service on November 13 after being grounded for repairs due to defective landing gear. Additionally, one of the ATR72-500s (5R-MJF, msn 698) has been grounded due to a needed engine replacement, which was delayed due to funding issues.
Madagascar Airlines also faces delays in receiving two new ATR72-500s, which have been delayed due to supply chain problems. The airline expects to have three additional aircraft in service by Wednesday, including the repaired ATR72-600, the replacement Q400, and an active ATR72-500 (5R-EJC, msn 813). The airline plans to gradually improve operations, aiming for normalcy by Friday or Saturday.
Despite these setbacks, the airline has reported notable achievements, including an 83% on-time performance between January and October, a 17% increase in capacity over the previous year, reduced financial losses, and a return to IATA’s billing and settlement systems. The airline is also restructuring its fleet.
Looking ahead, Madagascar Airlines is planning a simplified fleet of six ATR72-500s by the IATA summer of 2025 as part of its “Phénix 2030” turnaround strategy, which focuses on domestic services. Two new ATR72-600s are due for delivery in early December, though these have also been delayed. If the aircraft do not arrive by the end of the year, the airline may have to consider additional ACMI options.
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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com