Royal Air Maroc looks to partner with Air Senegal

Royal Air Maroc could become a strategic partner to the Senegalese government's start-up carrier Air Sénégal after the two countries pledged to expedite talks between the two sides, reports ch-aviation.

Should the venture go ahead, it will be the second time Royal Air Maroc has participated in a Senegalese national carrier.

In 2001, RAM acquired a 51% majority stake in then national carrier Air Sénégal International with the Senegalese government holding the remaining 49%. However, following growing losses, the Senegalese government expressed its dissatisfaction in RAM and acquired a further 26% stake in the airline thus giving it effective control. However, the downward spiral continued with Air Senegal International subsequently wound up in 2009.

It was then succeeded by Senegal Airlines which, despite initial promise, also suffered from poor management decisions. It was shut down earlier this year with over USD150 million in debts.

Morocco has embarked on a wave of engagement drives with various African governments as part of its bid to re-join the African Union thirty-two years after it left the organisation.