Statement from the Joint Administrators
With the worldwide spread of the coronavirus epidemic in recent weeks, the entire airline industry, and aviation companies in particular, have been experiencing "the worst crisis ever since World War II".
Airlines have indeed been severely hit by travel restrictions and the closure of borders in almost all markets, as well as cessation of all international and domestic flights. This has forced several of them to have recourse to voluntary rescue processes.
This week, we have taken note of statements by Virgin Australia and South African Airways to the effect that they will be placed under voluntary administration. The situation is hardly different for Air Mauritius, due to its high degree of reliance on tourism, which is one of the most affected sectors when it comes to the Mauritian economy.
Air Mauritius has already been in a restructuring process since the beginning of the year, notably with the setting up of a Transformation Steering Committee with a view to addressing the financial difficulties of the Company, and to reviewing its business model from the strategic and operational points of view.
As administrators, our mission is above all to save the company. We know that the national airline is a key player in our economy and that it is part and parcel of our history. Air Mauritius is, in addition, a source of pride for the people of Mauritius, and there is no doubt that we are all affected by this news. In such difficult times, it is essential that we get down to work without delay, along with all the partners of this industry in Mauritius, to implement the measures deemed necessary to save the national airline.
At this stage, we are not in a position to make any further comments, having not yet been fully acquainted with all the elements pertaining to this case.