Air Senegal eyes profitability by end-2023, cites 2024 as “worst case”

Air Senegal, the flag carrier of the Republic of Senegal, is aiming to become profitable by the end of 2023, seven years after its launch.

The airline’s recovery plan was announced by Doudou Kâ, the Minister of Air Transport and Airport Infrastructure Development, during a review of a draft budget of the transport ministry according to an APS report.

Kâ explained that the flag carrier’s recovery plan includes three aspects: improving its operational, commercial, and financial performance. The airline is also expected to become profitable by the end of 2023 and “at the worst case by the end of 2024”, Kâ added.

However, the minister is also hoping that recent changes to the airline’s management will help restore its image following its reputable flight delays.

“In connection with the new General Management of Air Senegal SA, we are doing work in the direction of taking the necessary measures to restore a good image of the company,” Kâ continued.

Air Senegal was launched in 2016, following the collapse of Senegal Airlines. The airline has struggled to make a profit since due to steep competition with international airlines on regional routes in West Africa.

In late October 2022, Air Senegal suspended operations on its route to Central Africa (Cotonou, Douala and Libreville) due to poor financial performance on the route, which it launched in March 2021.