Air Mauritius Investigates Fleet Management and Engine Maintenance Issues

Air Mauritius Initiates Independent Investigations into Fleet Transactions and Engine Maintenance Failures

Air Mauritius has engaged the global risk advisory firm Kroll to conduct an independent investigation into a series of critical fleet transactions carried out during the airline’s voluntary administration period between 2020 and 2021. This decision follows increasing scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of the airline’s fleet and negligence in engine maintenance, issues that have led to substantial financial losses and raised serious concerns about the carrier’s operational reliability.

Examination of Fleet Sales and Leasing Practices

The investigation commissioned to Kroll will focus on the sale of five aircraft, including two Airbus A340-300s, two A319-100s, and one A330-200, which took place between April 2020 and September 2021. The review will assess whether these sales were economically justified, considering the aircrafts’ book values alongside the terms related to spare parts and equipment sales. Additionally, Kroll will scrutinize the 2022 leasing of two A330-200 aircraft, evaluating the transparency of the tender process, compliance with anti-corruption and fraud prevention standards, and the absence of conflicts of interest or breaches of fiduciary duty.

Further, the investigation will extend to Air Mauritius’s 2023 order for three Airbus A350-900s, examining whether this acquisition aligns with the airline’s broader fleet and network development strategy. The airline currently operates four A350-900s, with the newly ordered aircraft yet to be delivered. Kroll was appointed following a competitive selection process initiated in March 2025.

According to ch-aviation fleet data, the transactions under review include the sale and scrapping of A319s (registration 3B-NBF and 3B-NBH), A340-300s (3B-NBE and 3B-NBD), and A330-200s (3B-NBM and 3B-NBL), as well as the leasing of A330-200s (3B-NCL and 3B-NCM) from Carlyle Aviation Partners.

Internal Probe into Engine Maintenance Negligence

In parallel, Air Mauritius’s board has launched an internal investigation into negligence that resulted in severe damage to an aircraft engine, identified as ESN 41426. Despite over 40 maintenance interventions between November 2023 and February 2024, repeated error warnings were reportedly disregarded, culminating in damages estimated at USD 8.45 million. A technical consultant has attributed the incident to poor maintenance management and negligence. The inquiry, led by former Executive Vice President of Technical Services Ashok Keerodhur, aims to establish accountability at individual, departmental, and managerial levels.

Implications for Governance and Market Confidence

These developments have heightened concerns among investors and the wider market regarding Air Mauritius’s governance and operational dependability. Industry analysts suggest that competitors may seek to exploit the airline’s difficulties by capturing market share and enhancing their own service standards. The ongoing investigations highlight Air Mauritius’s commitment to transparency and accountability as it endeavors to restore confidence among stakeholders and the traveling public.

The airline’s new management has underscored the importance of strict accountability and the implementation of rigorous protocols to prevent future lapses. This approach signals a comprehensive effort to address systemic issues and rebuild trust in the airline’s operations.