The Comoros government is aiming to establish a national carrier by the name of Karthala Airways with technical assistance by Air Mauritius. The new airline is presently undergoing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) audit. No details of planned fleet or destinations could be obtained at this stage.
Karthala Airways is planned to be a schedule carrier to be based out of Moroni Prince Said Ibrahim International (HAH).
Air Mauritius (MK) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Comorian government for the provision of technical support to the latter’s stalled Karthala Airways project. Speaking during the Mauritian carrier’s AGM on Thursday, July 12, CEO Somas Appavou said that the agreement was signed on March 14 and under it, Air Mauritius would provide support and expertise in assessing and the establishment of Karthala Airways. The start-up’s parameters have already been defined and it is currently in the process of securing its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
Named after the Karthala volcano on Grande Comore, Karthala Airways has been a drawing board project since 2006 when it was first incorporated. In an effort to make the airline an operational reality, several other operators have been courted in recent years, including Royal Jordanian (RJ, Amman Queen Alia), but to no avail.
