Airbus’ brand new A330neo has landed in Mauritius for the first time on June 30, as part of the final phase of test flights leading to the Type Certification of its latest mid-size widebody airliner. The aircraft, an A330-900 painted in the livery of launch operator TAP Air Portugal, had arrived at Sir-Seewoosagur-Ramgoolam International Airport (MRU) after a flight from Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia). The stopover was part of the ”route proving” campaign taking place around the world designed to demonstrate to aviation authorities its compatibility with airports and readiness for airline operations. This trip marks the A330neo’s first time in Africa.
Air Mauritius has already ordered two A330-900 on lease from ALC, and later this year, Air Mauritius will be the world’s first airline to operate both the A330neo and the A350 XWB, the Airbus leading widebody family. Air Mauritius currently operates a fleet of 12 Airbus aircraft of which two A350s, six A340s, two A330s for long haul operations and two A319s for regional services.
