Air Sénégal Initiates Sale of ATR72-600s as Fleet Optimization Continues

Air Sénégal, the national carrier of Senegal, has embarked on a strategic move to divest its two ATR72-600 aircraft, marking its departure from the large turboprop segment. The airline has appointed Blueberry Aviation for the exclusive sale of these aircraft, indicating a shift towards optimizing its fleet for better operational efficiency and market fit.

The aircraft in question, registered as 6V-AMS (msn 1447) and 6V-ASN (msn 1452), are both from the year 2017 and have been with Air Sénégal since their entry into service. Notably, 6V-AMS was retired from active service at the end of November 2023 and has since been stationed at Ben Slimane in Morocco for maintenance, starting December 1, 2023. Meanwhile, 6V-ASN continues to operate, fulfilling the airline’s scheduled regional services from Dakar Blaise Diagne International Airport, as observed through Flightradar24 ADS-B data.

This decision aligns with Air Sénégal’s broader fleet strategy, which includes a diverse mix of aircraft types tailored to its operational needs. The airline’s current fleet features a range of Airbus and Boeing models, catering to both its regional and international routes. Additionally, the airline has plans to incorporate smaller Let 410 aircraft to enhance its domestic service offerings, although specific details about this acquisition remain under wraps.

The transition away from the ATR72-600s reflects Air Sénégal’s response to market dynamics and its commitment to maintaining a modern, efficient fleet. This move also comes amidst the airline’s expressed concerns over the reliability of Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines on its A220-300s, highlighting its proactive stance in addressing operational challenges.

As Air Sénégal continues to adapt its fleet to meet evolving market demands and operational priorities, the sale of its ATR72-600s represents a significant step in its strategic fleet management efforts. This shift underscores the airline’s dedication to offering reliable and efficient air travel services to its passengers, both within Senegal and across its broader network.