Across the African continent, modern fleets, particularly those equipped with advanced widebody technology, remain rare, with few examples such as EgyptAir, Royal Air Maroc, and Ethiopian Airlines standing out.
In Sub-Saharan West Africa, the scarcity is even more notable, with Air Senegal emerging as one of the few operators of the latest-generation widebody airliners.
Despite its modest scale and fleet size, Air Senegal distinguishes itself as the national flag carrier, filling the void left by the collapse of a former national airline in 2016.
Established amid the demise of Senegal Airlines, Air Senegal swiftly gained prominence, securing an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) in 2018 and commencing domestic flights with ATR 72-600 regional aircraft.
By the end of the same year, the airline expanded its fleet with Airbus A319 jets, initiating regional routes connecting Dakar’s Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS) to destinations across West Africa.
A pivotal moment for Air Senegal occurred in 2019 with the delivery of its first Airbus A330neo, marking the carrier as the first African airline to operate a modern widebody aircraft. Amid plans for further fleet expansion, Air Senegal signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Airbus for the purchase of eight A220 aircraft in 2019.
The airline’s growth trajectory reflects Senegal’s strategic investment plan, with President Macky Sall integrating Air Senegal as a key component of the 20-year development strategy known as Plan Senegal Emergent (PSE). Leveraging support from Western financial institutions, Air Senegal’s growth underscores its pivotal role in Senegal’s economic advancement.
Operating a diverse fleet of 10 aircraft, Air Senegal caters to various routes, encompassing domestic, regional, and intercontinental destinations. With premium cabins and a network spanning 22 destinations, including major global business hubs and pilgrimage routes, Air Senegal demonstrates its commitment to serving diverse passenger needs across Africa and beyond.