Air Sénégal has taken the measure to ground its entire crew on the Dakar-Paris route, amid allegations that they were involved in trafficking parcels for payment. The decision was made on September 17, as a precautionary measure. According to a company official, the primary reason for this decision is that certain commercial flight attendants are suspected of engaging in parcel trafficking, commonly referred to as GP, in exchange for compensation.
An internal investigation is currently underway to determine the extent of the involvement and to identify those responsible. The airline has confirmed that it is taking the allegations seriously and is working to resolve the issue. Meanwhile, the in-flight service on the Dakar-Paris route is being provided by the commercial flight attendants of the private Georgian airline MyWay, which operates on behalf of Air Sénégal.
The Dakar-Paris route has been operated by a MyWay aircraft since several months ago. Air Sénégal has been facing criticism for the quality of its service, with passengers frequently complaining about delays on both domestic and international flights. The airline, which is controlled by the Senegalese state and began operations in May 2018, has been struggling with financial difficulties.
Several Air Sénégal aircraft have been seized, reducing the airline's fleet. According to reports, some agents were allegedly charging passengers for transporting luggage or goods, with prices ranging around 10,000 CFA, approximately 15 euros, per kilogram. However, these claims have not been confirmed by Air Sénégal.
The airline was established after the bankruptcy of Sénégal Airlines in 2016, which itself replaced Air Sénégal International, a joint venture between the Senegalese and Moroccan governments, in 2009. Air Sénégal has been working to improve its services and regain the trust of its passengers.
The incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of air travel in Senegal. The country's aviation industry has faced challenges in recent years, with several airlines experiencing financial difficulties. The government has been working to address these issues and improve the overall quality of air travel in the country.
The investigation into the allegations of parcel trafficking is ongoing, and Air Sénégal is expected to take further action once the findings are released. The airline's reputation and future operations depend on its ability to address these issues and provide a safe and reliable service to its passengers.
Key points
- Air Sénégal has suspended its Dakar-Paris flight crew amid allegations of parcel trafficking.
- An internal investigation is underway to determine the extent of the involvement and identify those responsible.
- The airline has been facing criticism for the quality of its service and has been struggling with financial difficulties.
