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AFTER LESS THAN ONE YEAR
Air Senegal International is conquering Europe
" LE SOLEIL " 18 JANUARY 2002
Air Senegal International (ASI) is doing fine. That is the least one could say, after the glowing report that was presented yesterday by the Managing Director of Royal Air Maroc, which holds more than 51% of the company's capital. After some 10 months, the results are evaluated as being more than 30% higher than projections. The company's officials now see the future through rose-tinted glasses and have already formulated a development plan..
" Asi is a reliable company ". These reassuring words are from the Managing Director of RAM, of which Air Senegal International is a subsidiary. Yesterday, during a press conference, at which the company's results were presented, Mr. Mohamed Berrada said he was satisfied with this first experience between RAM and ASI, particularly with regard to the excellent performances of the company, which have largely exceeded the forecast. The traffic has increased by 24%; indeed, the company has carried 124,000 passengers, whereas it had forecast 98,000 for 2001.For the RAM Managing Director, this shows that "there is indeed potential" and that there are real possibilities for growth. This is confirmed by the company's figures, with a projected turnover of 7 billion, which was greatly exceeded and is currently estimated at 11 billion. Asi hopes to achieve even better results, as far as traffic is concerned, by transporting 280,000 passengers, which implies an incease in its fleet and destinations.
ASI's ambition is to operate further afield than the national and regional zones and to extend its network to Europe. With this in mind, an inaugural direct connection between Dakar and Paris is planned within two months . For this purpose, ASI is going to purchase a 200-seat 757, that RAM is going to put at its disposal, so that the company can have 4 flights per week, first, before switching to one daily flight within the next ten months. "There is an actual niche, because there is an increasing demand for Dakar to be directly connected to Paris ", M. Berrada says.
In addition to this new connection, the regional and national services will be strengthened, in order to increase ASI's capacities, as far as traffic is concerned: 16 flights will be added to the existing flights.
The Managing Director of RAM has revealed the planned development of two new companies, in partnership with Moroccan and Senegalese private companies, two Handling and Catering subsidiaries which would belong to ASI. The creation of a 2,500 m² plant within Leopold Sedar Senghor airport is planned for the end of the year. This company will provide services, such as air catering and other air services. The Handling company, which will also be situated within the Dakar airport, will provide ground assistance to Asi planes, as well as to those of RAM and other airline companies. With these projects, RAM's Managing Director expects ASI's capacities to treble within three months, all the more so as its fleet will be increased from two to four larger aircraft.
In addition to this, Ram will open up its market to the two new companies which will be created with private companies. " There are many investors in Morocco, in the textile and electronic industry, who are interested in Senegal " , Mr Berrada reveals. The project of traffic extension should lead to the creation of about 123 new jobs in the current year, in addition to the 200 jobs that will be generated through the creation of the two subsidiaries, which will amount to 320 jobs.
According to Mohamed Fadel Kane, the Principal Private Secretary of the Minister of Equipment, the creation of ASI is a successful example of South-South cooperation.
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