History of Madagascar Airlines

About Madagascar Airlines

The epic of Air Madagascar: from MADAIR to Madagascar Airlines

Born in 1961 from the merger between the private company Air Madagascar and the local network of Air France, the company was then named "MADAIR". Very quickly, it established itself as the spearhead of Malagasy air transport, connecting the island to the world and serving the entire national territory.

A Key Player in Madagascar's Economic Development

Over the decades, MADAIR, which became "Air Madagascar", proved to be a pillar of the economic and tourism development of the Big Island. The company transported both passengers and goods, thus stimulating trade and exchanges. Its network of destinations, which extended from Europe (Paris, Marseille) to Asia (Guangzhou, Bangkok) via the Indian Ocean, strengthened Madagascar's international influence.

A History Marked by Evolution

In 2017, a strategic turning point occurred with the entry of Air Austral into the capital. This alliance created the Air Madagascar Group and was accompanied by a reorganization into several specialized subsidiaries:

Air Madagascar: for international and regional flights,
MGH (Madagascar Ground Handling): for airport services,
Sofitrans: for in-flight and airport catering,
Tsaradia: a new airline for domestic flights.

Tsaradia: Energizing Domestic Transport

Launched in 2018, Tsaradia energized the domestic network to make air travel more accessible to Malagasy people. This airline plays a vital role in regional development, facilitating travel and stimulating domestic tourism. Tsaradia has established itself as the leading domestic airline in Madagascar.

Towards a New Era: Madagascar Airlines

In 2021, Air Madagascar took a new step by taking over the activities of Tsaradia to create Madagascar Airlines, a unified entity ready to meet the challenges of the future by responding to the expectations of an increasingly demanding clientele.

A Priority: Safety

Throughout its history, Air Madagascar has always placed the safety of its passengers at the heart of its concerns. Rigorous aircraft maintenance and strict adherence to international standards guarantee safe and comfortable journeys.

The Values of Madagascar Airlines

The simple name "Madagascar Airlines" reflects the company's positioning and embodies the values it upholds.

Safety and Security: Safety and security are at the heart of our operations. Our customers and employees can trust us.
Professionalism: We adopt a professional approach in all our activities, leveraging our expertise and adhering to high and consistent standards.
Care: We strive to understand and anticipate the needs of our customers and employees, seeking innovative, insightful, and tailored solutions.
Responsibility: We act responsibly towards our customers, employees, and financial partners. Madagascar Airlines is a well-managed company, socially and environmentally responsible, proud of its Malagasy roots.
Malagasy Identity: We draw inspiration from our heritage and evolve with the times. We represent the best of Madagascar and value the diversity that characterizes us.

Key Milestones

1961: Air Madagascar was established following the merger of the private company Air Madagascar and Air France's local network, under the name "MADAIR."
1962: The company adopted the name Air Madagascar and operated its first flight to Paris from Ivato Airport in Antananarivo. It also served regional destinations in the Indian Ocean, including Djibouti, Moroni, and Saint-Denis de La Réunion.
1970: Air Madagascar expanded its African network, now serving Mauritius, Kenya, and South Africa.
1976: The network continued to expand with the addition of the Seychelles.
1979: The company extended its European destinations to Zurich, Frankfurt, Munich, and Rome.
1998: Air Madagascar inaugurated flights to Asia with destinations such as Singapore and China.
2002: Following a socio-political crisis, Air Madagascar signed a restructuring agreement with Lufthansa.
2004: The company obtained the PART-145 aircraft maintenance certification from the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) and unveiled a new logo. It launched long-haul flights to Bangkok and Milan.
2005: Two new ATR 72-500s joined the fleet.
2006: In December, Air Madagascar obtained the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification and received an ATR 42-500 to complete the modernization of its ATR fleet.
2007: Launch of the Antananarivo-Marseille route.
2008: Codeshare agreement signed with Corsairfly for the Paris-Antananarivo route, and contract concluded with GECAS (GE Capital Aviation Services).
2009: New Asian destination: Guangzhou, China.
2011: Inclusion of Air Madagascar in the European Union's Annex B with operational restrictions.
2012: Air Madagascar added two Airbus A340-300s to its fleet, one leased from Euro Atlantic and the other on a sale-leaseback arrangement with Air France.
2015: Creation of the Vanilla Alliance, bringing together five Indian Ocean companies, including Air Madagascar, to strengthen regional connectivity. In November, the Guangzhou-Bangkok route was suspended.
2016: Air Madagascar's Airbus A340-300s were removed from Annex B, and the Guangzhou route was reinstated through a codeshare with Air Austral. Creation of the Madagascar Ground Handling (MGH) subsidiary to meet IATA standards.
2017: Strategic partnership signed with Air Austral, marking the transformation into the Air Madagascar Group.
2018: Launch of Tsaradia, a new subsidiary aimed at strengthening the domestic Malagasy network.
2020: End of the partnership with Air Austral; the CNAPS became a shareholder in Air Madagascar.
2021: The Antananarivo Commercial Court ruled on the cessation of payments of Air Madagascar and its subsidiary. Beginning of a new restructuring phase with the creation of Madagascar Airlines, which combined the activities of Air Madagascar and Tsaradia.
2021: Appointment of Ny Riana Rasolonjatovo as Director General of Madagascar Airlines.
2022: Thierry de Bailleul succeeded Ny Riana Rasolonjatovo as Director General. Madagascar Airlines announced the "Phoenix 2030" recovery plan.
2023: Madagascar Airlines obtained its air carrier certificate and operating license on April 17, marking its international recognition. The company decided to temporarily suspend international flights to focus on the domestic market.
2024: Unveiling of the "Phoenix 2030" strategic plan to return to profitability by 2025 and resume international flights from 2026. In March, transfer of the IATA code MD-258 to Madagascar Airlines and reintegration into the BSP (Billing and Settlement Plan). Strengthening of the domestic offer for the peak season with the lease of a Q400 from CemAir.
2024: In June 2024, Madagascar Airlines marks the definitive end of Tsaradia flights (TZ code) by integrating all operations under the MD code, unifying its identity under a single brand.
2024: Madagascar Airlines became an official member of IATA, allowing airlines serving Madagascar to offer domestic flights to their passengers.
2024: Madagascar Airlines signed partnership agreements with Air France. This agreement allows travelers to enjoy an optimized travel experience and strengthen connectivity between France and Madagascar.