Air Transport

Senegalese authorities have detailed initial plans for a new national carrier, Senegal Airlines, aimed at succeeding the troubled Air Senegal International venture early next year.

Private investors will have a majority share in the carrier, 64%, while the Senegalese Government will hold a minority 16% stake.

Another 15% will be owned by the public sector while the remaining 5% will be assigned to the airline's employees. The airline will have start-up capital of $34 million.

Senegal Airlines will operate initially with leased aircraft and will "exploit the gap" left by Air Senegal International - the venture with Royal Air Maroc which became the subject of an acrimonious dispute earlier this year.

© Senegal Airlines

The new carrier is planning to give further information about its fleet plans at the Dubai Air Show.

Senegalese minister for air transport Karim Wade, who unveiled the new airline at the show, said the Government had brought together leading private investors to create a "solid platform" on which to develop the carrier.

"The new carrier is of national economic and social interest and, very importantly, is also demanded by the market that it will serve," says Wade.

While the Government will hold a share of the carrier, it is not intending to participate in the day-to-day management.

Senegal Airlines, headed by Modou Khaya, plans to operate from Dakar, the capital, to over 20 destinations. It has identified routes in West African cities including Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, Bamako and Banjul.

It also indicates that it will serve European routes to Milan, Paris and Brussels. The carrier is intending to use both long-haul and short-haul aircraft, configured with two-class cabins.