Africa-Press – Mauritius. In view of the tough times the country is facing, this is no time for petty conflicts within one of the most important companies that could help to boost the economy.
Yet, this is exactly what is happening. The future of Megh Pillay in the national airline seems to be the bone of contention both between employees of Air Mauritius and between members of the government.
It now appears clearly that tourism is the sector that will help Mauritius get out of a difficult situation in terms of employment, budget deficit and growth.
In fact, it should help revive the whole economy if the government takes some decisions. If the number of tourists is to increase in the future, this does not mean that the “new tourists” will be backpackers.
Mauritius is far from most of its main markets and the destination remains out of reach for a lot of people. On the contrary, these tourists would bring more resources to the country – and not only to the hotels.
Apart from strong marketing campaigns and a better positioning of the destination, Mauritius may have no other choice than to open its skies to other airlines.
Of course, Air Mauritius is not in favour of an open air access policy, as it would bring competition in a sector where it has so far led the dance. The minister of Tourism, Xavier-Luc Duval, believes that a total opening of air access would be detrimental to Air Mauritius and tourism in general.
This is why he advocates a more cautious and gradual opening. But the economy can’t wait and it is the responsibility of Air Mauritius to review its business model to become competitive.
One of the main problems, however, is that, instead of reflecting upon a new strategy regarding tourism, the authorities are wasting time on these divisions.
The future of CEO Megh Pillay is one of these thorns afflicting the sector. Air Mauritius would be the big winner and would work in better conditions if decisions could be made once and for all on this issue.
Some within the local airline believe that Megh Pillay is “the right person in the right place” while others within the government are convinced that he should go. The prime minister, Navin Ramgoolam, will have the last word in this case as for all other nominations.
Close to former PM Apart from the fact that Megh Pillay is considered as too close to the former government, other reasons also explain why there is a section of Air Mauritius (among whom are Labour partisans) and of the government, which would like to see him leave.
His choice between Airbus and Boeing to replace old Boeings a few days after the polling day was made public was not a good signal according to certain stakeholders.
Although they do not imply that there has been foul play or anything of the sort, they consider he should have waited for the election results before making such an important decision. Although none of the rumours concerning the departure of Megh Pillay have been confirmed, other names are already mentioned. ..
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