Photo: VOA photo - J. Ritchey
Senegalese President Abdoulaye Wade cuts the ribbon at the ceremony next to his son, State Minister for Air Transport Karim Wade
A new regional air carrier called Senegal Airlines will begin flights by the end of the month to other West African countries, including Mali, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso.
The new airline replaces the now defunct Air Senegal International, which called off operations in 2009 due to continued money problems and a public falling out with its controlling partner, Morocco's Royal Air Maroc.Company CEO Edgardo Badiali says he hopes to expand and include flights to Europe and North America.
“I think the geographical position and the stability of the country will help us to build a hub in the sub-region in West Africa,” Badiali said.
The government hopes to avoid repeating its mistakes. It owns only a minority shre of the new Senegal Airlines, with the majority held by a broad group of private investors, including Senegalese-American rapper Akon (photo)
Dubai-based Emirates Airlines provided training and technical help for Senegal Airlines staff. The airline purchased six Airbuses for its fleet a short time ago.
At the ceremony Wednesday, the airline showed off two of its planes, with bright green, yellow and red stripes on the tail representing the national flag.
Badiali says his goal is to capture 40 percent of the Dakar market.
Senegal is building a new airport outside Dakar to handle more flights to continue its emergence as a key entry point to West Africa. The airport is expected to be complete by 2012.
