Ewa Air welcomes New General Director Amid Post-Cycle Challenges and promises Flight Promotions
This Friday,January 24,marked a significant moment for Ewa Air as Drissa Samaké was officially appointed as the new General Director. The ceremony took place at the Mayotte Air Service hangar, adjacent too Marcel-Henry airport, were Samaké expressed his deep connection to the company.“It’s an immense pride for me, I’m living a love story with Ewa Air,” he remarked, reflecting on his journey with the airline since 2015 before his stint at EDEIS.
The event was attended by key figures, including Moïse Issoufali, President of Ylang Invest, Mohamed Ali Hamid, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCI) of Mayotte, and Hugues Marchessaux, President of Ewa Air and the Air Austral group. Together, they form the quartet steering the airline’s future, with Marchessaux emphasizing their full confidence in Samaké’s leadership.Though, the celebration comes at a challenging time for Ewa Air. The airline was forced to halt operations for 15 days due to Cyclone Chido,and its recovery has been slow. Only one of its two ATR 72-600 aircraft has been operational as December 31. Marchessaux revealed that the company “will end the 2024-2025 financial year slightly in deficit, as Chido has reset the counters.”
adding to the post-cyclone struggles is the recent surge in plane ticket prices, wich has raised concerns among the Mahorais community. Samaké addressed this issue, promising that “promotions will be launched in the coming weeks.” He emphasized his commitment to being “close to the Mahorais and the Mahorais,” adding, “I would also like to better direct people to discounted flights and the cheapest flights, as they exist, but they need to be highlighted better.”
Marchessaux defended the airline’s pricing strategy, stating, “We made gestures, we applied repatriation prices which were widely used.” He also addressed criticisms of air Austral’s perceived monopoly, pointing out that Zena Airlines, a new competitor, offers flights at double the prices to Reunion.
Ewa Air’s team is also a point of pride, with 35 Mahorais employees forming the backbone of its operations. This local presence underscores the airline’s commitment to the community it serves.
| Key Highlights | Details |
|—————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| New General Director | Drissa Samaké,former Ewa Air employee and EDEIS member |
| Challenges | 15-day halt due to Cyclone Chido,one operational ATR 72-600 aircraft |
| Financial Outlook | Slight deficit expected for 2024-2025 financial year |
| Flight Promotions | Planned for the coming weeks to address rising ticket prices |
| Local Workforce | 35 Mahorais employees integral to the airline’s operations |
As Ewa Air navigates these challenges,the appointment of Samaké signals a renewed focus on resilience and community engagement. With flight promotions on the horizon and a dedicated local team, the airline aims to regain its footing and continue serving the Mahorais with affordable and reliable air travel.Ewa Air, the regional airline connecting mayotte and the Comoros, is navigating a pivotal year as it focuses on fleet renewal and route stabilization. With its two ATR 72-600 aircraft nearing the end of their financing period in 2025, the company is exploring options to maintain its single-fleet strategy. Discussions with the manufacturer ATR are underway, though Ewa Air has not ruled out the possibility of repurchasing the planes outright. This decision will shape the airline’s future operations and its ability to serve the region effectively.
The airline’s workforce has rebounded strongly after the challenges posed by a recent cyclone.Today, Ewa Air employs 35 Mahorais crew members, including three captains, ensuring a robust and locally rooted team. This commitment to local talent underscores the airline’s dedication to the communities it serves.Currently, Ewa Air operates flights to four key destinations: Majunga, Diego, Nosy Be, and Moroni. The airline aims to “stabilize” these routes, offering 4 to 5 weekly flights to Majunga, 3 to 4 to Diego, 2 to 3 to Nosy Be, and 2 to Moroni. Drissa Samaké, a key figure in the company, expressed optimism about improving on last year’s 70% occupancy rate, a testament to the airline’s growing popularity and reliability.
Ewa Air’s Current Operations at a Glance
| Destination | Weekly Flights | Occupancy Rate (2022) |
|——————|——————–|—————————|
| Majunga | 4-5 | 70% |
| Diego | 3-4 | 70% |
| Nosy Be | 2-3 | 70% |
| Moroni | 2 | 70% |
Ewa Air’s focus on maintaining a single fleet of ATR 72-600 aircraft highlights its commitment to operational efficiency and consistency. These turboprop planes are renowned for their reliability and suitability for regional routes, making them an ideal choice for the airline’s network. As the company navigates its fleet renewal process, it remains dedicated to providing seamless connectivity across the Indian Ocean region.
the airline’s resilience in the face of natural disasters and its strategic planning for the future demonstrate its importance as a lifeline for the communities it serves. With a strong workforce, a clear vision for route stabilization, and ongoing discussions with ATR, Ewa Air is poised to continue its legacy as a trusted regional carrier. for more data on the ATR 72-600 aircraft, visit the official ATR website.
As Ewa Air looks ahead, its focus remains on enhancing passenger experiance, expanding its reach, and maintaining its reputation as a reliable and community-focused airline. The coming months will be crucial as the company finalizes its fleet strategy and works to exceed its previous performance metrics.
