Last September I wrote about how Air Senegal will be taking delivery of the A330-900neo, and will launch flights between Dakar and Paris. Air Senegal is only the second airline in the world to take delivery of the A330-900neo, after TAP Air Portugal. The airline has two of these planes on order, with the second…
Continue reading: Air Senegal’s Beautiful New A330-900neo Business Class
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
Massive overcapacity vs commercial reality for them. Paris Dakar is similar length to New York-San Francisco. Decisions driven by national pride
A quick search and I’m coming up with 3K USD RT in J. Seems kind of steep for such a short flight.
@Lucky - When you make a statement like "Yes, the seats are very similar and are even from the same manufacturer, but they’re not the same." it would be helpful to note at least one feature that differentiates the new from the previous version.
@ Alex. What’s distance to do with it ? There are over 300,000 Senegalese in France. AF operates daily with a 777-300
I like the tail and the titles, but it needs something to break up all that white.
Why do they need 2x A339s to operate a (daily?) 5 1/2 hour flight (12 hrs round trip give or take)?? Are they planning on adding other destinations with them??
I really don't understand how all of these airlines from heavily impoverished nations are spending so much to offer such nice amenities in business class or sometimes first. Is there really such a demand for business class on Air Senegal???
@Lucky — the Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines seats are the Stelia Symphony, though roughly based off the Solstys III.
@Realist — It's a pretty big business route. France is the biggest foreign investor in Senegal.
A beautiful machine, and a much better cabin than the outdated high-density 77Ws Air France flies to Dakar. I'm not worried about the airline's capacity to fill the aircraft w/ 7 flights/week: until recently, it was operated by an AF 77W and a Corsair B744 or A333 daily. Both averaged a >85% load factor, and Corsair only withdrew on request of the Senegalese government to be replaced by Air Senegal. In fact, this was their most profitable route as there is little competition but significant demand, keeping prices high (around $1000 for a direct return flight with AF in peak season)
All flights to Dakar are full with either Air France or another European airline (I know what I'm talking about I worked at Dakar airport). Corsair was coming with an A330 having a lot more seats and flights were full. Royal Air Maroc comes 3 times a day to Dakar and one of the flights is made in 767 or 787. Air Italy replaces its 737 with an A330, Turkish Airlines comes daily to Dakar and 2 flights are made in A330-200. Tap Portugal comes 10 times a week, and some flights are in A330-200. During the holiday season, Iberia makes more flights and replaces its A321 with an A340-600 or an A330. You should not underestimated Dakar, it is the first destination in West Africa, there is a lot of competition to go to Europe and contrary to what you think, the use of the A330-900neo is a very good thing.
Thank you Maxime. I think the choice of a 339 makes sense in this case as the nonstop flight is only operated by 2 companies: air sénégal and Air France. If you consider that demand over the years will grow why limit yourself with a narrow body.
@the realist just because they are port countries doesn’t mean that they should offer crappy product or service.
@Ben Oh yes you should definitely try this new route!! and if you ever come to Dakar, please let me know, I'll be your guide 🙂
I've been reading your blog from this part of the world for years !