Madagascar's Ministry of Transport and Meteorology and Madagascar Airlines (MD, Antananarivo) have launched a new cross-country air service linking key cities along the country’s east-to-north axis, aiming to improve access to isolated regions and boost economic development.

The programme, inaugurated on January 22 with a ceremonial flight, connects Toamasina/Tamatave, Sainte Marie, Antalaha, Maroantsetra, and Sambava. Additional destinations include Antsiranana and Nosy-Be, according to a joint statement.

The routes will be operated using a Government of Madagascar-provided 19-seater Let 410 Turbolet suited to short runways and secondary airfields. The aircraft’s flexibility will allow regular service on lower-density routes that are considered economically and socially vital, the statement said.

According to a video report by Madagascar's 2424.mg news site, the Let L-410UVP Turbolet in question is the 43-year-old Malawi-registered 7Q-YAE (msn 831040). The aircraft is owned by Zebu Air (MZB, Lilongwe International), which chartered it to privately owned Malagasy carrier Assist Aviation (Antananarivo) in 2022.

2424 reported that the government is to acquire three Let 410s for the Madagascar Air Force, and two of these will be used for the new service. The launch date of the joint venture is pending the arrival and registration in Madagascar of the second aircraft.

The initiative seeks to reduce travel times in a country where overland journeys can be long and difficult. Flight times on some routes will range from 35 to 75 minutes.

Scheduled flights will be available through the airline’s distribution network, with additional charter and business-to-business services planned for companies, non-governmental organisations, and tour operators.

The routes will support strategic sectors including vanilla production, fishing, agriculture, tourism, and regional trade. A tiered pricing policy has been introduced to balance affordability for residents with the programme’s financial sustainability.

Karl Andrianony, Madagascar Airlines' commercial director, described the launch as a significant step toward strengthening territorial continuity and local economic development. Juste Crescent Raharisone, transport minister, said the programme reflects cooperation between the government, the airline, and local authorities to meet longstanding regional demand for improved connectivity.