Air Sénégal and Carlyle reach final agreement over aircraft lease termination
After months of legal wrangling, Air Sénégal has successfully resolved its dispute with the American aircraft leasing firm Carlyle over the premature return of four commercial jets. The breakthrough came through a mediated settlement finalized in Dakar, putting an end to a contentious case that had escalated to international courts.
Under the leadership of its current Tidiane Ndiaye, the national carrier had opted to terminate the lease agreements for two Airbus A319s and two Airbus A321s, citing excessive operational costs and recurring technical failures. The decision, taken to safeguard the airline’s financial stability, triggered legal action from Carlyle, which sought compensation for the unfulfilled contract terms.
Dakar court approves conciliation agreement
The settlement was formalized on 25 June 2026, when the Dakar Commercial Court of First Instance validated a conciliation protocol signed between the parties on 4 May 2026. This agreement effectively closed the judicial proceedings initiated by both sides, including Carlyle’s lawsuit in New York, which is now expected to be withdrawn.
The resolution stipulates that Air Sénégal has settled nearly all outstanding financial obligations related to the leases, including unpaid rental fees and maintenance reserves up to the date of aircraft restitution. The company had acknowledged these liabilities but sought equitable terms to avoid further financial strain.
Financial and operational factors behind the lease termination
The airline’s management highlighted two primary concerns that led to the decision. First, the high cost of leasing and maintaining the aircraft placed a significant burden on the company’s budget. Second, persistent technical issues with the jets compromised their reliability, increasing the risk of additional expenses and operational disruptions.
By terminating the contracts, Air Sénégal aimed to streamline its fleet operations and reduce financial risks. The resolution of the dispute now allows the airline to focus on restructuring its operations without the shadow of legal proceedings.
