Moroccan-Senegalese Air Company Expects 26 Billion CFA Turnover

The Moroccan-Senegalese air company (Air Senegal International -ASI) in which Morocco's state owned carrier holds 51% of shares, expects sales of 26 billion CFA in 2002 (655.9 CFA Frances equal one Euro), compared to 11 billion CFA in 2001.

The company's general manager, Zouhair Mohamed El Oufir, announced the figures on Monday as ASI dedicated two newly-purchased Boeing 737-700 planes. He said a total of 250,000 passengers were carried in 2002, against 125,000 in 2001. With these two new aircraft, the company, which already owns a Boeing 737-200 and a Dash 8Q300, will increase its flights to France and other countries like Cote D'Ivoire, Mali and Guinea.

It is also planning to start servicing new destinations in Europe and Africa. The company which started its activities in February 2001 will also be servicing starting next January, using the code-share formula, the Dakar-New York and Dakar-Johannesburg lines. RAM general manager said the new company has almost exceeded in two years of existence goals set for five years, allowing Dakar to become a hub to link the west to northern Africa, south Africa, Europe and the USA in the future. He also praised the company's adherence to international standards of safety, organization, comfort and maintenance.