The national airline is set to integrate a new aircraft soon. This acquisition aims to increase its capacity on domestic and international routes.
The purchase was approved by the Council of Ministers and will be financed by the Malagasy state. The project is intended to allow the national carrier to expand its capacity, as air travel options remain limited for a portion of the population.
Currently, Madagascar Airlines operates five ATR 72 aircraft, including four ATR 72-500s and one ATR 72-600. These planes offer between 64 and 72 seats and are primarily used on the domestic network. The company reported in early September that two engines were undergoing maintenance, temporarily reducing available capacity.
The arrival of the Boeing 737-700 will change the transport capacity, as it can accommodate up to 148 passengers. Its size and range will allow for longer routes than those currently served by the ATRs. The specific configuration chosen by Madagascar Airlines is not yet known.
For travelers, the key issue lies in the additional opportunities this new capacity could offer. As Madagascar is a vast island, air travel is a vital means of connecting regions. Increased capacity could facilitate business travel, family trips, and the transport of visitors to major tourist destinations.
The future aircraft could also support the gradual reopening of international routes, such as Reunion, Marseille, Moroni, Bangkok, and Guangzhou. Madagascar Airlines relaunched the route to Moroni in July 2026, and management is preparing for a gradual ramp-up of operations.
The acquisition comes during a period of transformation for the company, which is preparing to return to the name “Air Madagascar” starting October 31. Management presents this as a step in an operational, commercial, and financial transformation.
Several details, including the acquisition price, delivery date, and assigned routes, have not yet been disclosed.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-01 06:53:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/transport-aerien-un-boeing-737-700.html
