What would you say if somebody paid for a 2 litre bottle and came back with a 1.5 litre bottle? What now if the person says he has bought a Merc E280 and comes home with a Merc 180 classic?

Well, that is what is happening with the A 340 that Air Mauritius ordered. We are getting a smaller plane than planned.

Is the plane really suitable? It seems to have had more testing problems than other similar planes. We heard some of the problems in the local press such as braking accident and decompression…..

• Will the plane have the same capacity as previously planned?
• Will it be able to cope with the expansion plans of our airline?
• What is the real cost of the plane to the country?
• Does our airline still have reserve capacity in case one of the long haul planes needs repairs?
• Remember the loan guarantor will ask these questions publicly if ever a wrong decision to downsize has been taken just for the sake of economy (and to show profits).

Better ask now than regret later for a plane lifetime!