Emirates to help develop Senegalese start-up carrier

Dubai strengthens ties with Senegal

Dubai Emirates yesterday said that it has undertaken the responsibility to develop the yet-to-take off Senegal Airlines, a statement by the airline said.

Following a high-level meeting between Shaikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline and Group, and Karim Wade, Senegal's Senior Minister, Ministry of International Cooperation, National Planning, Air Transport and Infrastructure, the statement said, "it was agreed that the Emirates Group will assist the Senegalese carrier in the start-up and post launch phases. The agreement will cover commercial support, technical expertise, training and aviation-related goods and services."

The development comes a year and a half after Emirates gave up the management of SriLankan Airlines following the expiry of a 10-year management contract under which Emirates guided the carrier through a difficult phase, marred by the Tamil insurgency and turned it into a profitable venture.

"Emirates has a strategic interest in Africa and currently operates to 17 points within the continent. The Senegalese government approached us to support the start-up of their new carrier and participate in its future, and we are delighted to add value to the aviation infrastructure of Senegal," Shaikh Ahmad said.

The UAE and Senegal have been collaborating on many fronts. Recently, DP World was awarded the concession to develop and operate the existing container terminal at Dakar. In addition, the Jebel Ali Free Zone is developing a special economic free zone connected to Senegal's Blaise Diagne Airport.

"I am confident these recent associations will strengthen the links our two countries share," Shaikh Ahmad said.