In the first developments following the announcement last week of an "alliance" of sorts between Air Mauritius (MK), Air Madagascar (MD) and Réunion-based Air Austral (UU), Air Austral and Air Madagascar are to enter into a twice weekly codeshare service on the Saint Denis, Réunion - Antananarivo, Madagascar route. |
| Air Austral Boeing 737-800 |
According to French site AirJournal, the codeshare flights are scheduled to start in November with a Monday and Friday flight using an Air Austral Boeing 737-800.
Air Madagascar has reduced its frequency between St Denis and Antananarivo from daily to 5x weekly using an ATR 72-500 whilst Air Austral will continue to offer a daily flight.
The codeshare deal comes as part of a collective effort by the struggling Indian Ocean carriers whose poor financial performances over the last year has been attributed to a decline in passenger volumes and high oil prices.