November 19, 2019: Air Senegal has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for eight A220-300 aircraft at the Dubai Air Show. The aircraft expected to fly to cities like Lagos, London, and Geneva will begin to join the carrier’s fleet by 2021, to be delivered two per year by Airbus.

The aircraft type attracted the national carrier because of its flexibility and reliability (apart from engine issues that have been plaguing those CS100/300 aircraft in Europe), allowing the carrier to fly to London, Geneva, as well as to nearby Largos. Ibrahima Kane Air Senegal CEO said, “These new 220 aircraft will contribute to developing our long-haul network to Europe and our regional network in Africa. Combined with our recent A330neo aircraft, this new Airbus fleet reveals Air Senegal’s ambition to offer the best travel experience for our passengers.”

“The number of A220s operation on the African continent is steadily growing and we are proud to add Senegal’s new flag carrier in our list of A220 African customers. Offering the lowest operating costs in its category, the A220 is the best aircraft for airlines to launch new domestic and international routes efficiently,” said Christian Scherer, chief commercial officer Airbus in a company release.

Air Senegal, the flag carrier of the Republic of Senegal is state-owned through an investment arm and is based at Blaise Diagne International Airport in Dakar, Senegal.

Founded in 2016, it flies to 13 destinations with six aircraft, with a short-haul fleet of two A319s and two ATR-72-600s. For the long haul, they have a A330-900neo.