Macquarie AirFinance to lease five new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Air Senegal

An Irish subsidiary of Macquarie AirFinance has agreed to lease five new Airbus A220-300 aircraft to Air Senegal, the national airline of the Republic of Senegal, with deliveries commencing in 2023. 

Powered by Pratt and Whitney turbofan engines, the aircraft deliver up to 25 per cent lower fuel burn per seat than previous generation models. Air Senegal will use the A220-300s to link Dakar to regional and European destinations. The airline’s investment is part of a 20-year plan to expand travel and tourism in Senegal.

John Willingham, Chief Executive Officer at Macquarie AirFinance, said: “We are delighted to conclude this agreement with Air Senegal, which we see as the start of a successful long-term partnership together. The airline’s plans for the aircraft demonstrate its exceptional passenger appeal, efficiency and versatility. We look forward to flying on the A220-300 when it enters service in Senegal and experiencing the airline’s famous Teranga hospitality.”

Ibrahima Kane, Chief Executive Officer at Air Senegal, said: “We are thrilled to have Macquarie AirFinance on our side for the A220 programme. The addition of this aircraft will be a game changer in the West African landscape. It will provide our customers with an exceptional experience in terms of comfort and connectivity. This new aircraft generation will also create substantial maintenance and fuel savings and improve our financial results.”

The agreement was announced at the 2021 Dubai Airshow today. The five aircraft form part of the lessor’s order book of 29 A220-300s. Macquarie AirFinance’s portfolio spans more than 240 aircraft and order commitments.

About Macquarie AirFinance

Macquarie AirFinance, an aircraft lessor founded in 2006, provides aircraft and capital to the world’s airlines. The company owns, manages and leases commercial jet aircraft internationally through offices in Europe, Asia and North America. Macquarie AirFinance is owned by Macquarie Asset Management (50%), PGGM Infrastructure Fund (25%) and Sunsuper (25%).  For further information, visit www.macquarie.aero.

About Air Senegal

Air Senegal was created in 2016 and launched commercial operations on May 2018. Air Senegal aims to be the leader in West African air transport by relying on Dakar airport (Blaise Diagne International Airport), acting as the first hub airport connecting Europe to West Africa and within the region.

Its mission is to serve both domestic and international cities that contribute to the growth of African aviation. The airline is embedded in Senegalese culture and the TERANGA SPIRIT. The company strives for security, reliability, and customer service.

The airline currently operates a fleet of two Airbus A330-900Neos, two Airbus A321s, two Airbus A319s and two ATR 72-600s across West Africa and, Morocco, Central Africa, France, Spain, Italy and United States.