The government of Niger has announced the establishment of a new national airline named Niger Air International, as part of efforts to enhance air connectivity and stimulate economic growth.
In a statement following a cabinet meeting, the government said the company will be jointly owned, with the state retaining a majority stake while opening the door for private sector investment.
The statement explained that the carrier will strengthen both domestic and international routes, improving Niger’s access to regional and global markets.
The launch comes after Niger Airlines, the former national carrier, ceased operations in November 2022 due to security concerns.
To ensure a strong start, Niamey has drawn on technical and managerial expertise from Morocco, whose aviation sector has seen remarkable growth over the past decade, according to Moroccan media reports. They noted that cooperation between the two countries will be key to establishing the new airline’s operational foundations.
This move is part of a broader trend among Sahel countries to strengthen their air networks. In January, Air Burkina announced the addition of two new Embraer E170 aircraft to its fleet as part of its modernization and expansion plan.
The first of the two planes entered service on January 18, operating four routes to and from the capital, Ouagadougou, replacing old MD-80 aircraft while improving fuel efficiency and offering capacity better suited to the airline’s needs.