Skipper Sky, Réunion’s first low-cost carrier, might soon be gracing the Indian Ocean skies. The airline will reportedly offer flights from €90 (R887) for a trip between Réunion and Mauritius.
Reports in the local press name Jean Christophe Pothin, a former technician at Airbus, as the man behind the Skipper Sky project. Pothin will reportedly operate his airline from Pierrefonds Airport in Réunion with two Airbus A320s. Réunion newspaper, Zinfos 974, quotes Pothin as saying: “I’m determined to introduce this low-cost carrier in the Indian Ocean Islands and contribute to the economic development and the emancipation of our territory.” He continues by saying he wants to end the monopoly held by Air Austral and Air Mauritius.
However, a few details are still standing in the way of the launch. Pothin reportedly still needs to find €3m (R29,5m) in funding for his new airline as well as to start procedures for aviation rights and get the necessary certificates and authorisations.
Whether this airline will ever see the light of day is still very much a mystery, as no one seems to have heard about the Skipper Sky project. Girish Appaya, Communications Officer Mauritius Airport, says she isn’t aware of this new airline and can’t comment at present. Madeleine Malet, GM Pierrefonds Airport, where Skipper Sky would allegedly be based, is also unaware of any new low-cost airline.
Dorine Reinstein
