New Airline : Senegal Airlines


kenyaprince

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20 Giugno 2008
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Dubai 09: Senegalese detail new national carrier Senegal Airlines
By David Kaminski-Morrow



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.

www.flightglobal.com





Senegal Airlines was launched officially at the Dubai Airshow Sunday, taking the place of defunct Air Senegal International, which suspended operations in April (ATWOnline, June 3). The new airline will lease aircraft initially and is scheduled to begin flying "in early 2010," according to a statement. Founding capital is valued at $34 million, with private investors holding 64%, the government 16%, employees 5% and the remainder available to the public. It intends to serve more than 20 destinations from Dakar including Paris, Milan and Brussels with a fleet comprising "new, modern" single- and twin-aisle aircraft. Modou Khaya was named CEO. The airline unveiled a white livery featuring stripes in the green, yellow and red of the Senegal flag on the rear fuselage and tail.


atwonline
 
Senegal Airlines makes commitment for A320s and A330s
Airbus efficiency and commonality to support development of new national carrier

Senegal Airlines, the new national carrier of the Republic of Senegal, which is majority owned by the Senegalese private sector, has signed a letter of intent to purchase four A320 family aircraft and two A330s. The airline, which will replace Air Senegal International, will launch services in early 2010 from its hub in Dakar to destinations in Africa and Europe.

“The operational efficiency and passenger comfort offered by the A320 family and A330 will enable Senegal Airlines to prosper and grow into a major player in the African Aviation market and become a key partner in the economic development of our country.” said Mr Karim Wade, the Honorable Senior State Minister of International Cooperation, Urban and Regional Planning, Infrastructure and Air Transport for Senegal.

“Airbus is honoured to support the launch of Senegal Airlines," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "By chosing the eco-efficient Airbus family of aircraft, Senegal Airlines can exploit the many advantages Airbus commonality, giving them the best possible platform for development and growth.”

The Airbus aircraft family offers cockpit and operational commonality across the family, allowing the airline to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers across the fleet.

The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognised as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 6,400 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever. With proven reliability and extended servicing periods, the A320 Family has the lowest operating costs of any single aisle aircraft. Uniquely, the A320 Family offers a containerized cargo system, which is compatible with the world wide standard wide-body system.

The unbeatable economic efficiency of the A330 Family and its superior operational performance has positioned the twin engine jet as being one of the most widely used wide-body aircraft in service today. Airbus has won more than 1,000 orders for the aircraft and more than 600 A330s are in operation worldwide with more than 80 customers and operators. The combined fleet has achieved almost 14 million flight hours and serves around 300 destinations worldwide.


Airbus Media Release