After months of legal wrangling, Air Sénégal has successfully closed a long-standing dispute with global aircraft lessor Carlyle through a landmark agreement finalized in Dakar. The resolution not only brings an end to local court proceedings but also paves the way for the closure of parallel legal action initiated in New York.
The breakthrough came on June 25, 2026, when the Dakar Commercial Court of First Instance formally endorsed the conciliation protocol signed between the two parties on May 4, 2026. Under the terms of the settlement, Tidiane Ndiaye, CEO of Air Sénégal, confirmed that nearly all outstanding obligations—including overdue lease payments and unpaid maintenance reserves—had been settled in full.
Flight path to resolution
The conflict originated in the airline’s decision to return four leased aircraft—two Airbus A319 and two Airbus A321—to Carlyle amid growing operational and financial concerns. While the company acknowledged its contractual obligations, it cited escalating maintenance costs and persistent technical issues as key factors in its choice to discontinue use of the planes. Without these aircraft, it was argued, Air Sénégal could better manage its fleet and reduce financial strain.
However, Carlyle contested the early termination by initiating legal proceedings against the national carrier. The dispute escalated until both sides agreed to reopen negotiations, leading to the mutually acceptable settlement.
What the agreement covers
The reconciled terms outline the complete settlement of all outstanding financial claims related to the lease and maintenance of the returned aircraft. This includes:
- All overdue lease payments up to the date of aircraft return
- Unpaid maintenance reserves accrued during the lease period
- The waiver of further legal action by both parties
With the judicial resolution now finalized in Dakar and Carlyle’s New York lawsuit expected to be withdrawn, both entities have signaled their intent to move forward without further litigation. The outcome reinforces Air Sénégal’s commitment to financial discipline and operational efficiency as it continues to expand its fleet and service offerings across West Africa.
