The African Airlines have experienced a significant decline over the years, according to a report by the Libyan journalist, Mansour Al-Ahrash. In 2010, the airline had a fleet of 20 planes and served over 30 domestic and international destinations. However, as of 2026, the airline has only one plane and operates flights to three destinations. This drastic reduction has raised concerns about the airline's future and its ability to restore its operations.

The decline of African Airlines has been met with criticism from the company's employees, who have expressed their concerns about the airline's deteriorating situation. In a statement, the employees demanded that the Attorney General and regulatory bodies intervene to stop any procedures related to the sale or disposal of the cargo plane, Airbus A300, and other company assets. They also called for an investigation into the matter.

The employees' statement highlighted that the cargo plane has been grounded for nearly six years in a Turkish maintenance hangar. They also mentioned that there are documents circulating about a proposed agreement to sell the plane, which is registered as 5A-ONS, despite being deemed unfit for service. The employees questioned the rationale behind selling the plane after spending over $362,000 and €3.85 million on maintenance over the years.

The employees also referenced a previous incident involving an A330 plane in Germany, which was taken out of service and eventually scrapped. They fear that the cargo plane may meet a similar fate and urged the company's management to review its decisions. The employees hold the company's board of directors responsible for the decline and called on the Ministry of Transport and the holding company's board to oversee the situation.

The African Airlines' cargo plane has been a subject of controversy, with many questioning the wisdom of selling it after investing heavily in its maintenance. The company's employees are demanding a thorough review of the plane's status and the company's assets. They also want the Attorney General and regulatory bodies to examine any procedures related to the sale or disposal of the plane and other company assets.

The decline of African Airlines has significant implications for the country's aviation industry. The airline's reduced operations have limited travel options for Libyan citizens and foreign nationals. The company's employees are calling for urgent action to restore the airline's operations and protect its assets. The situation remains uncertain, with many questions about the airline's future.

The controversy surrounding African Airlines highlights the challenges faced by the Libyan aviation industry. The country's airlines have struggled to operate efficiently due to various factors, including political instability and economic challenges. The situation at African Airlines has sparked concerns about the future of the industry and the need for urgent reforms to restore confidence and stability.

Key points

  • - African Airlines has declined from 20 planes and 30 destinations in 2010 to one plane in 2026. - The company's employees are demanding an investigation into the sale of the cargo plane and other company assets. - The airline's decline has significant implications for Libya's aviation industry, with limited travel options and uncertain future.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.