Air Mauritius to start direct China flights

Air Mauritius has announced direct flights to Shanghai, China, commencing in July, 2011. The carrier hopes to boost tourism to the Indian Ocean island nation, which has been seriously impacted by the economic downturn in Europe. Known for its azure seas, white beaches, and luxury spas, Mauritius is gearing up to attract the growing demand for outbound tourism from China.

“This flight is a first step in our development in one of the world’s fastest-growing economies,” Andre Viljoen, the airline’s acting CEO, said in a recent statement.

The new Shanghai service is the 25th destination for Air Mauritius, the island nation’s national carrier, and its fourth in Asia. Other Air Mauritius destinations in Asia include Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong. The flight will go via Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and will offer connections from and to Reunion, Madagascar, and South Africa.

Tourism typically generates about 10% of Mauritius’ gross domestic product with European visitors accounting for some two thirds of arrivals.

The Mauritius Air fleet is composed of two Airbus A340-300Es, two Airbus A319-100s, four Airbus A340-300s, two Airbus A330-200s, and two ATR72-500s.

Air Mauritius is based in Port-Louis, Mauritius and flies to:

ASIA: Chennai, Mumbai, Delhi, Bengalaru (India), Dubai, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Shanghai (July 2011)
EUROPE: London, Paris, Munich, Geneva, Milan, Frankfurt
AUSTRALIA: Perth, Melbourne
AFRICA: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Antananarivo, Nairobi, Reunion, Rodrigues

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