The government said the suspension of all flights in and out of Senegal would be extended until June 30
Hand-washing platforms are set up at the entrance of the Massalikul Jinaan Mosque for Friday prayer in Dakar as mosques were re-opened for congregational prayers in Senegal after a two-month break, on May 15 2020. Picture: ALAATTIN DOGRU/ANADOLU AGENCY VIA GETTY IMAGES.Launching an airline in Africa is a notorious challenge in a continent and sector where opportunities are often crimped by regulations and national champions are dominant.
The reason is because the company has to ensure its planes meet standards of airworthiness and pilots carry out at least three take-offs and three landings every three months — requirements for retaining their commercial flying licences. Late on Thursday, the government announced that the suspension of all flights in and out of the country would be extended until June 30.
The International Air Transport Association estimates the crisis will inflict a hit of $314b on airlines’ turnover in 2020, equivalent to a fall of 55% over 2019.Such talk is grim news for Senegal’s three airlines, the biggest of which is the national flag carrier Air Senegal, founded in 2016, which specialises in scheduled flights between West Africa and Europe.In the middle is Transair, which pitches to both markets — scheduled and charter — with a special eye on tourism.
Seeking to dampen the effects of the crisis, the government has earmarked 77-billion CFA francs in support for the tourism and aviation sector. There is a “risk of bankruptcy” in the direst scenarios, he said, but insisted that he remained hopeful.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Western Cape Covid-19 cases now at 19 460 with 472 deathsThe Western Cape has 19 460 confirmed cases and has recorded 472 deaths related to Covid-19 since the start of the outbreak, Premier Alan Winde said on Saturday.
Read more »
Senegal’s airlines struggle as Covid-19 stops people flocking to beaches and forestsThe government said the suspension of all flights in and out of Senegal would be extended until June 30
Read more »
Zambia's minister of health tests positive for Covid-19Zambia's health minister has become the second of the member of the cabinet to contract coronavirus, the government said Wednesday.
Read more »
60 days in and this is what we know about Zimbabwe's Covid-19 fightWhile figures in the past two months have been relatively low, they are starting to shoot up.
Read more »
Mkhize: No need for Covid-19 stats according to race – until now
Read more »
Limpopo premier’s office denies flouting rules after cop tests positive for Covid-19Nehawu has since written a letter to the premier to raise concerns after staff said they were told to take unpaid leave when they requested to go into isolation.
Read more »