Jack Bizlall, trade unionist, lead negotiator and representative for Air Mauritius’ inter-union, in a press conference on Tuesday 13, stated that he has made three suggestions to the Prime Minister through his Senior Adviser, Ken Arian, to revamp the national carrier.
First: To repay the debts of Air Mauritius as soon as possible. Bizlall believes that if Government leads negotiations with creditors and requests for moratoriums, Air Mauritius should find the breathing space that it needs to repay its debts.
Second: To set up a committee that will investigate the circumstances that led to the fall of the company from hedging in 2008 to the lack of competent professionals at the head of key departments. “This Committee, if it is set-up, will help Air Mauritius to preserve its reputation while at the same time make the people who have made the wrong decisions accountable for what they have done” said Bizlall.
Third: To give the reins of the company to the former CEO, Megh Pillay.
Bizlall explained that he personally spoke to Megh Pillay and the latter has agreed to come back under certain conditions.
In short, Megh Pillay has asked to be given the independence to make the decisions that he deems necessary for the survival of Air Mauritius, without any political interference. On policy matters regarding air access, Megh Pillay has asked that as CEO, he should be consulted and final decisions should only be made in the best interest of the national carrier.
Will the Prime Minister agree to the Bizlall’s proposals? Although most of them are skeptical, members of the inter-union have pinned their last hopes on these.
Air Mauritius currently has 6 airplanes, 2 A330 Neo and 4 A350. The management is focusing on traditional markets and expects that competitive pricing of 750 euros in average on tickets on the Paris-Mauritius route will suffice to beat competitors.
