News Release 12 September 2025 - Corporate Social Responsibility: Air Mauritius Commits to the Transport of Live Human Organs

News Release

12 September 2025

Corporate Social Responsibility: Air Mauritius Commits to the Transport of Live Human Organs

Air Mauritius is strengthening its corporate citizenship programme by engaging in the safe transport of live human organs (LHO). The container carrying the live organ will be accepted in the aircraft cabin as an additional piece of baggage, provided free of charge to the passenger by Air Mauritius.

In the first instance, passengers will be able to transport an embryo for in vitro fertilisation. This is currently the only type of procedure that is legally regulated in Mauritius.

With this initiative, Air Mauritius is laying the groundwork for future progress in advanced medicine, particularly in relation to tissue donation, organ removal and transplant, as envisioned by the Mauritian authorities.

Following a request to transport a live human organ, Air Mauritius carried out a comprehensive safety risk assessment (SRA) and developed procedures that have been validated by the competent authorities.

In doing so, Air Mauritius reaffirms its commitment to social responsibility by ensuring safe transport that complies with prescribed conditions for the delivery of these vital organs.

General Principles

• Each organ transfer represents an opportunity, through careful handling, to save or prolong a life.
• The role of the airline is to ensure the free, safe, and secure transport of these organs in full compliance with all applicable regulations.

Conditions of Carriage

Passenger Responsibilities
Before the Flight:

• Passengers must present all required medical and security documentation, including entry permits and certificates issued by health authorities.
• They must ensure sufficient transit time, fully complying with border and airport security requirements.

Packaging Requirements

• The human organ must be packed in specialised, leak-proof, and airtight containers, consisting of:

o    Primary Container: Leak-proof container for the organ.

o    Secondary Packaging: Additional leak-proof casing around the primary container.

o    Outer Packaging: Rigid container clearly marked “LIVE HUMAN ORGAN”.

o    Dimensions: Combined length + width + height must not exceed 115 cm.

o    Weight: Maximum limit of 7 kg.

o    Dry Ice: If used, quantity must not exceed 2.5 kg.

Labelling

• The outer packaging must be clearly marked. If not pre-labelled, the passenger must label it manually.

This initiative reflects Air Mauritius’ strong commitment to contributing actively to the preservation of human life. It also complements the airline’s existing initiatives to support passengers affected by cancer and to assist bereaved families.