Air Austral (UU, St. Denis de la Réunion) is planning to finalise the decision regarding the renewal of its medium-haul fleet within the next few months, Air Transport World has reported.
"Discussions are ongoing and are expected to be completed within the next few months. The company plans to complete its medium-haul fleet by the end of 2020," an Air Austral spokesperson said.
The airline plans to use the new aircraft mainly to strengthen its presence on the routes it already operates rather than to expand the network.
According to the ch-aviation fleets module, the Réunionese carrier currently operates two B787-8s, three B777-300(ER)s, two B737-800s, and one ATR72-500. The Boeing narrowbodies, which are due for replacement, are 8.7 years old on average and are dry-leased one each from Aircastle and Blackbird Capital.
The new aircraft would be used to operate flights out of St. Denis de la Réunion and possibly Dzaoudzi.
