Dubai Air Show 2009: Senegal Airlines launches livery and discloses initial plans

Established to commercially exploit the gap left with the departure of Air Senegal International, the new airline will take to the skies in early 2010, initially with a fleet of leased aircraft.

Addressing the media today, Senior State Minister Karim Wade elaborated on the shape and form of the company that will be Senegal Airlines and under the GAS - Group Air Senegal umbrella: "The Government united some of the leading private investment firms and individuals in the country and delivered a solid platform from which they will build and develop Senegal's new national airline. The new carrier is of national economic and social interest and, very importantly, is also demanded by the market that it will serve."

Senegal Government will not take part in the daily running of the new carrier but will retain a minority stake in Senegal Airlines. The company's founding capital is valued at USD 34 million, with the private sector retaining the majority 64% stake holding; Public Sector will hold a 15% share, while the employees will have their own allocation equivalent to 5%. The Government will retain the remaining 16% as a sign of its confidence in the flag carrier and its intention for continuous future support of the company.

Wide reach - from Senegal to Africa and Europe, in comfort and style The new airline is expected to gradually introduce a comprehensive network from Dakar to more than 20 destinations that will include regional capitals such as Abidjan, Bamako and Banjul, as well as other major points in West Africa - such as Accra and Lagos. Intercontinental services will ultimately reach Paris, Milan and Brussels amongst others. A fleet plan that includes new, modern single-aisle medium range and wide-body long-range airliners will be announced tomorrow, at a separate press conference.

Flying Senegal Airlines will give passengers a truly memorable travel experience and reaffirm the fact that modern, dynamic and safe airlines are present on the continent.

Passengers will have a choice of two-class cabins on all flights. A state-of-the-art Business Class - "ClasseAvant", will unite comfortable seating, latest in-flight entertainment and onboard communications with the finest culinary experience while economy class passengers too can expect their journeys to be a remarkable voyage of fine dining and blockbuster entertainment at 35,000 feet.

The proud colours of the nation - Celebrating the Senegal Airlines identity The new airline's acting CEO, Mr Modou Khaya, proudly presented the new corporate logo and aircraft livery of Senegal Airlines which showcases the rich and colorful African traditions, blended with the spirit and national insignia of Senegal; "The livery of Senegal Airlines symbolizes motion, progress and striving for success. The logo of the airline contains two out of the three national colours, reaffirming the company's origins and home base. The title "Senegal Airlines" in the logo is supported and given lift by a graphical image that depicts the three colour patches which represent the national flag of Senegal. The logo, due to its wing shape, also symbolizes flying and aviation. From another perspective, this graphical image is also envisaged to represent the waves of the Atlantic and the beautiful Senegalese coastline. Finally, the waving/spreading feathers of a wing symbolism is there to graphically depict the friendly reach of Senegal to the rest of the world, thanks to the national airline, bridging the geographical and cultural gaps between nations.

The slogan and motto of the new Senegalese flag carrier is "Join the skies in celebration"; and we trust that you will all do just that with us.