Government of Senegal to establish new national carrier

The Government of the Republic of Senegal has decided to form a new national carrier that will fill the void left with the liquidation of Air Senegal International.

The new airline will officially be known as Senegal Airlines and will be based in Dakar. Flight operations commencement is expected early in 2010 and the airline will eventually operate a new fleet of aircraft to destinations in Africa and Europe. Domestic operations will be handled through a subsidiary. Senegal Airlines will be a division of the holding company, GAS - Groupe Air Senegal.

Announcing the new airline, Senior State Minister Karim Wade reiterated the Government's stance of making the new flag carrier a success; "Senegal Airlines is a company of great national importance and will be one of the key tools in helping further develop the country and our economy; our tourism, commerce and industry and thereby strengthening Senegal's already strong standing in West Africa and the continent".

The Minister further commented that though the establishment driver is the Government, it will have no involvement in day-to-day operations of the airline, whose main purpose is to capture and retain its market-share through internationally accepted commercial methods. "Yes we are helping establish the carrier, and as a Government will retain a small stake in Senegal Airlines, but this is a private sector company that will be driven by the market it will serve. As such, it will have to be one of the leading airlines in Africa, offering the finest onboard service to all the destinations it will eventually serve, in order to beat the competition and become a profitable carrier of choice".

Senegal Airlines will make further official announcements at the Dubai Air Show, to be held between the 15th and the 19th of November, when key developments will be communicated, including the future fleet composition and the unveiling of the corporate identity and livery.