Air Sénégal resolves aircraft dispute with Carlyle group in Dakar accord

Air Sénégal and the American aircraft leasing firm Carlyle have reached a final resolution to their prolonged legal dispute, marking a significant milestone for the national carrier. The agreement, finalized in Dakar, brings an end to months of conflict over the termination of a four-aircraft lease contract.

Under the leadership of Tidiane Ndiaye, Air Sénégal’s management secured the dismissal of all judicial proceedings initiated in the Dakar Commercial Court. The breakthrough followed the signing of a conciliation protocol, which also paved the way for Carlyle to withdraw its legal case in New York, thereby closing the chapter on the international dispute.

How the agreement was structured

The resolution stems from a mutual understanding formalized on May 4, 2026, between Air Sénégal and the aircraft owners. The terms were subsequently ratified in a conciliation report approved by the court on June 25, 2026. As part of the settlement, Air Sénégal fulfilled nearly all outstanding financial obligations, including unpaid lease fees and maintenance reserves up to the aircraft return date. The company had consistently acknowledged these liabilities from the outset.

Key reasons behind Air Sénégal’s decision

The dispute centered on four aircraft — two Airbus A319s and two Airbus A321s — which the airline opted not to retain in its fleet. Industry observers cite several factors behind this choice. First, the operational costs, particularly lease and maintenance expenses, were deemed unsustainable. Second, the aircraft suffered from repeated technical failures, which threatened to escalate into broader financial strain for the carrier.

Although the lease termination was initially contentious, Carlyle pursued legal action against Air Sénégal. However, the two sides later resumed negotiations, ultimately reaching an out-of-court settlement that satisfied all parties involved.