Niger Launches New National Airline

The government of Niger announced on Thursday, September 4, the creation of a new national airline, Niger Air International, a mixed-economy company designed to boost the country’s air connectivity and economic growth.

According to a press release issued after the Council of Ministers meeting, the new carrier will be majority-owned by the state, while also welcoming participation from private investors. Officials said the airline aims to strengthen domestic and international routes, helping to link Niger more effectively to regional and global markets.

The launch comes nearly two years after the suspension of Niger Airlines, the former national carrier, which has been grounded since November 2022 due to security-related concerns.

To ensure a successful start, Niamey has sought technical and managerial expertise from Morocco, whose aviation sector has grown steadily over the past decade. Moroccan media reported that cooperation between the two countries will play a central role in building the foundations of the new airline.

The airline launch is a part of the efforts by the Sahelian states to boost connectivity. Recall that in January, Air Burkina acquired two new Embraer E170 aircraft, a significant step in modernising and expanding its fleet. The first of the 68-seat jets began revenue service on January 18, operating four routes to and from Ouagadougou, the capital.

The new E170S replaced Air Burkina’s ageing MD80 aircraft, offering improved fuel efficiency and a more appropriate size for the carrier’s operations.

Read more: Air Burkina Expands Fleet with Two New E170 Aircraft

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