Madagascar Airlines Faces Turmoil Amid Leadership Crisis

Madagascar Airlines is facing mounting uncertainty after its pilot union demanded the resignation of CEO Thierry de Bailleul, and one of its lessors requested the immediate return of two aircraft amid ongoing political unrest in the country. ACIA Aero, the owner of two ATR72-500s leased to the airline, asked on October 15 for the planes to be flown to a safe jurisdiction, according to a letter seen by ch-aviation.

The airline confirmed later that day that de Bailleul had “stepped back from his duties, effective immediately,” citing internal tensions and the need to safeguard operational stability. However, sources close to the matter said he had not resigned but was taking a temporary break to allow time for the board to stabilize the airline.

Madagascar Airlines stated that its executive committee would oversee day-to-day operations under board supervision to maintain service continuity. The pilots’ union, unhappy with being reassigned from long-haul aircraft to ATR operations under a World Bank-backed restructuring plan, had pushed for his removal.

Lessors reportedly expressed concern over the management uncertainty, though Abelo Capital Aviation, another leasing partner, said it was continuing cooperation with the carrier.

Under de Bailleul’s leadership, the airline reported a 66% capacity increase in under two years and expects to reach financial break-even by the end of 2025. The crisis follows widespread protests that escalated into an attempted coup earlier this month, disrupting Madagascar’s air transport sector and prompting major foreign airlines to suspend flights.

Related News: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/airline-finance/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com