On Friday December 8 in Dakar, the airlines Air Sénégal SA and Air Côte d'Ivoire signed a major strategic partnership agreement covering commercial and operational aspects. This wide-ranging cooperation will undoubtedly revolutionize and redefine commercial aviation in West Africa.

Commercially, from February 2024, passengers of both airlines will be able to benefit from the full pooling of networks, and thus from a wider choice of destinations, frequencies and connection options. In addition, the two operators' 'Teranga' and 'Smiles' frequent flyer programs will soon be combined.

Operationally, the many areas of cooperation will aim to minimize unit costs and optimize efficiency through economies of scale and various synergies. In particular, fuel purchasing will be grouped together. Maintenance and fleet management departments will benefit from extended pooling.

Last but not least, human capital will be the focus of special attention, with training courses and staff immersions in each of the companies to reinforce industry best practices.

"It is a source of pride for us to bring to fruition this major operation in Africa for two national flagships belonging to sister countries. This agreement establishes solid links between Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal", declared Air Sénégal Managing Director Alioune Badara Fall.

Operating since 2012 and 2018 respectively, Air Côte d'Ivoire and Air Sénégal SA aim to become the recognized leaders in air transport in West Africa. With a large fleet of nearly twenty latest-generation aircraft combining comfort and safety, the two airlines serve some forty destinations in Africa, Europe and North America.

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