The Malagasy flag carrier, Madagascar Airlines, has announced that it will rebrand back to Air Madagascar by Oct. 31. The airline previously operated under the Air Madagascar name until 2021. The rebrand is one of a number of measures being introduced by Madagascar Airlines’ management, who hope to expand the airline’s international presence.
Why is Madagascar Airlines rebranding?
Madagascar Airlines’ CEO Rado Rabarilala believes that by reviving the airline’s original name, his team will be able to improve Madagascar Airlines’ global reputation.
Rabarilala told reporters that,
“Air Madagascar is deeply woven into our nation’s history, mobility, and aspirations. Our responsibility goes beyond reviving a brand; we are rebuilding a reliable, well-managed airline that drives the national economy, and earns the public’s trust.”
Rabarilala was appointed to his position in May as part of the new management group, which launched the ongoing restructuring programme.
This followed the resignation of former CEO Thierry de Bailleul on Oct. 15, 2025. In his resignation letter, de Bailleul identified a growing “climate of mistrust” between himself and the airline’s pilots as a key driver of his decision.
The resignation also came at a time of great political tension, following the overthrow of President Andry Rajoelina by the CAPSAT military group on Oct. 14, 2025.
What Practical Impact Will the Rebrand Have?
In his announcement, Rabarilala discussed the practical changes that his reforms will aim to bring about.
“This is not a symbolic relaunch.” He said. “We are building a responsible recovery grounded in realistic choices, rigorous governance, and our absolute commitment to follow through.”
This recovery includes a resumption of flights on Madagascar Airlines’ international routes, which were suspended in November 2023.
The airline resumed services on its flights between Amborovy Airport (MJN), Mahajanga, Madagascar, and Prince Said Ibrahim International Airport (HAH), Moroni, Comoros, in July 2026.
Plans to expand Madagascar Airlines’ network to include routes to China, Bangkok, the French island of Reunion, and Marseilles, are also reportedly in development.
Rabarilala additionally focused on the importance of expanding the training programmes offered to Madagascar Airlines’ staff, and modernising the airline’s fleet, which currently consists of four ATR 72-500 jets, and one ATR 72-600 jet.
Madagascar Airlines’ Finances
Air Madagascar was forced to rebrand after being placed under receivership due to heavy debts, in October 2021.
Madagascar Airlines began operation as a separate legal entity the following month, but initially continued to operate under Air Madagascar’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC).
The airline obtained its own AOC in April 2023, as part of a series of long-term sustainability reforms overseen by de Bailleul.
These reforms included agreeing on a stabilisation loan from the World Bank, and an agreement with the Malagasy government to write-off the debt which Madagascar Airlines owed to the state.
The airline’s status as a founding member of the Vanilla Alliance, launched in 2015, also gives it exclusive use of its network of national routes.
Will the rebrand help Madagascar Airlines to expand its network? Can Air Madagascar be financially sustainable? Let us know what you think, in the comments.
