Summary
- Air Senegal is considering swapping its orders for the Airbus A220-300 resulting from technical challenges with the Pratt & Whitney engines, selecting the A321neo as a substitute.
- The carrier had an order for eight A220s but only received one, which is currently in storage.
- The A321neo suits Air Senegal’s needs with its longer fuselage and more cabin space and supports its plans to grow to be a pacesetter in West African air transport.
Air Senegal is trying to swap its orders for the Airbus A220-300 resulting from technical challenges faced with the aircraft’s Pratt & Whitney 1500G engines. The carrier has chosen the A321neo as an acceptable substitute.
The deal gained momentum last month when a Senegalese delegation flew to France for the Paris Air Show. The Minister of Transport, Doudou Ka, along with a bunch of Air Senegal executives, met with Airbus to barter the potential of replacing its current A220 order.
Air Senegal A220 orders
The national carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the European manufacturer for eight A220-300s in November 2019 to develop its long-haul network in Europe and its regional network in Africa. It had planned to serve various destinations, including Geneva, London, Lyon, Marseille, and Milan with the single-aisle aircraft.
Nonetheless, delays in delivery and operational unavailability of the aircraft resulting from the Pratt & Whitney engine defects forced the carrier to reconsider its alternative. The orders were alleged to be delivered by the top of 2023, but Air Senegal only received one, which is currently in storage.
Photo: Air Senegal
The carrier also had an agreement with global lessor Macquarie AirFinance to lease five A220-300s. Nonetheless, the airline announced at the top of February 2023 that it could be giving up the lease agreement seeking one other aircraft type. We reported earlier that Air Senegal was considering acquiring the Embraer E195 to switch the A220.
The Senegalese delegation selected the A321neo because it suits the national company’s needs. The aircraft is the longest-fuselage member of Airbus’ single-aisle A320 family, offering passengers more cabin space and luxury. Moreover, it supports Air Senegal’s network and plans to grow to be a pacesetter in West African air transport.
Air Senegal’s current fleet
Senegal’s flag carrier operates flights to over 20 international and regional destinations, including Abidjan, Casablanca, Milan, Latest York, and Paris, to say just a few. It has a longtime network from its hub at Dakar Blaise Diagne Airport (DSS) and is looking to boost its fleet to spice up capability on several routes.
Similarly, some airlines could also be affected by the latest Pratt & Whitney engine issues. The manufacturer recently revealed that a whole lot of its PW1100G engines will have to be returned and checked for microscopic cracks. It plans to finish 200 engine removals by September and as much as 1,000 more next 12 months.
Do you’re thinking that Air Senegal has made decision in swapping its A220 orders for the A321neo? Tell us within the comments!
Source: Africa Supply Chain Magazine