Moroccan- Senegalese air company operates first flight on feb.22

The Moroccan-Senegalese air company "Air Senegal International," set up last November, will operate its first flight from Dakar this feb.22, said on Tuesday the company general manager, Mohamed El Aoufir.

El Aoufir told the press the company, in which the Moroccan carrier (RAM) holds 51% against 49% for the Senegalese company, seeks to support tourism development. He added the company will be launched with technical and operation support from RAM, which will enable it gain international stature and develop its activities in the west-African sub-region.

He also expected a deficit in the first three years of operation in view of the initial investment in the purchase of jets and other equipment, before the company can start to make profits. The company, with a capital of 7.29 million CFA francs will have two planes to operate around 24 home flights and 48 international flights weekly.

For its first year of activity, the company expects 90,000 passengers, and a turnover exceeding 7 billion CFA Francs.

The company re-hired all the employees of Air Senegal.