“Airbus is honoured to support the launch of Senegal Airlines," said John Leahy, Airbus Chief Operating Officer Customers. "By choosing the eco-efficient Airbus family of aircraft, Senegal Airlines can exploit the many advantages Airbus commonality, giving them the best possible platform for development and growth.”

The Air Senegal, which is owned partly by the private sector in Senegal, replaces the defunct Air Senegal International. The authorities announced at an unveiling ceremony in Dubai that the airline will launch services in early 2010, covering destinations in Africa and Europe.

“The operational efficiency and passenger comfort offered by the A320 family and A330 will enable Senegal Airlines to prosper and grow into a major player in the African Aviation market and become a key partner in the economic development of our country.” said Karim Wade, the Honorable Senior State Minister of International Cooperation, Urban and Regional Planning, Infrastructure and Air Transport for Senegal.

The statement by Airbus proclaims that its aircraft family offers cockpit and operational commonality across the family, allowing the airline to use the same pool of pilots, cabin crews and maintenance engineers across the fleet.

‘‘The A320 Family, which includes the A318, A319, A320 and A321, is recognized as the benchmark single-aisle aircraft family. More than 6,400 Airbus A320 Family aircraft have been sold to more than 300 customers and operators worldwide, making it the world’s best selling commercial jetliner ever,’’ the statement said.

Emirates pledges support

According to the Gulfnews.com, Emirates announced that it has undertaken the responsibility to develop the yet-to-take off Senegal Airlines. The report said that 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, responsible for Air Transport, a statement was issued, thus:
"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."

"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.

Accordingly, 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 new Blaise Diagne Airport currently under construction.

"I am confident these recent associations will strengthen the links our two countries share," Shaikh Ahmad was quoted as saying.

The report also said that the agreement between the Emirates Group and Senegal comes into effect immediately and is long term.

"Senegal is strengthening its aviation industry and is building a new international airport called the Blaise Diagne Airport. The new, technologically-advanced airport combined with a brand new, modern airline will make Senegal a major aviation force in Africa as well as internationally," Karim Wade said.