Air Austral on August 18, as planned, operated the first Airbus A220-300 revenue flight between Reunion island and Mayotte.

This is the first operation of the A220 in the Indian Ocean.

The airline welcomed F-OLAV to the Reunion base on August 13 (total now three A220-300s).

The airline announced the arrival on social media:

After F-OMER and F-OTER, it’s F-OLAV’s turn to land in Reunion. He joined his 2 brothers this morning around 10 Here we offer you some pictures of his arrival.  Air Australia thus loops the renewal of its medium-mail fleet. These planes will take you to the destinations of the Indian Ocean served by the company. More fuel efficient, more efficient and more modern, you’ll enjoy brand new and design cabins.  The first commercial flight is scheduled for Mayotte on August 18th.

All photos by the airline.

Airbus made this announcement:

The first of the three Airbus A220s for Air Austral, France’s La Réunion Island-based airline, has been delivered from the Airbus A220 Final Assembly Line (FAL) in Mirabel, Canada. The second and third aircraft are expected to join the Air Austral fleet in the coming days.

Airbus is delighted to welcome Air Austral as a new Airbus customer and operator. This A220 will be the first of the type to be operated by a French airline in the Indian Ocean region.

Air Austral has selected the Airbus A220-300 as part of its medium and short-haul fleet modernization plan in order to boost its operational efficiency, offering an enhanced passenger experience in a comfortable two-class cabin layout with 132 seats: 12 in business class and 120 in economy-class.

Bearing the airline’s distinctive livery representing La Reunion Island’s beautiful landscapes, Air Austral will strengthen its regional network with three A220-300s, flying on routes between La Réunion Island and Mauritius, Mayotte, Seychelles, South Africa, Madagascar, and as far as India.

Powered by latest-generation geared turbofan engines, Pratt & Whitney PurePower PW1500G, the A220 is the quietest and most eco-friendly aircraft in its category. The aircraft features a 50% reduced noise footprint compared to previous generation aircraft, 25% lower fuel burn and CO₂ emissions per seat as well as 50% lower NOx emissions than current industry standards.

To date over 160 A220s have been delivered, operating routes in Asia, North America, Europe and Africa, proving the great versatility of Airbus’ new generation single-aisle family member.