Senegal: New national airline unveiled

Friday, 20 November 2009

Senegal has unveiled a new national air transport carrier, according to a report published by the Gulf based Emirates Business.

Senegal unveiled a new airline to replace disbanded Air Senegal International

The minister responsible for air transport in Senegal, who is also son of the Senegalese president, Karim Wade, said that the airline would fall under a parent company, Group Air Senegal.

The development follows the disbandment of the troubled Air Senegal International. The airline's accumulated losses forced the share holders, which included the Senegalese government, to do away with it.

The new carrier will announce its fleet plan within the week, which is expected to include single-aisle medium range and wide-body long range aircraft. The new airline is expected to make its first commercial flight in early 2010.

"The government united some of the leading private investment firms and individuals in the country and delivered a solid platform from which they will build and develop Senegal's new national airline," Wade said.

He added: "The new carrier is of national economic and social interest and, very importantly, is also demanded by the market it will serve."

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