The Minister of Transport, Cote d’Ivoire, Mr. Gaoussou Toure, has said that the emergence of Air Cote d’Ivoire has created both direct and indirect employment opportunities for the citizens.
He stated this while taking delivery of its third DASH 8-Q400 NextGen aircraft from aircraft manufacturing giant; Bombardier.
The new equipment brings to seven the number of aircraft in the airline’s fleet, which is made up of three A319s, one A320 and three Q400s.
The Minister of Transport commended the airline for its performance and remarkable achievement within its short time of existence.
According to him, “This is the year of emergence for Air Cote d’Ivoire and to do this we need more aircraft to fly to more destinations and this new aircraft will help the airline to achieve its goals.”
He continued, “The presence of Air Cote d’Ivoire has helped to create both direct and indirect employment opportunities for the citizens and I congratulate you for the remarkable work you have done.”
The purchase of another aircraft, the airline stated was to further grow its passenger numbers out of its hub in Abidjan.
On his part, Managing Director, Air Cote d’Ivoire, Mr. Rene Decurey, said, “The Q400 allows us to operate into different routes including the domestic routes. It is a comfortable and fast aircraft comparable to a jet and allows us to offer a lot of frequencies.”
“We are a promising airline that is making remarkable progress.” He added
He disclosed that in 2013, the carrier airlifted 244,183 passengers, adding that the figure rose to 398,761 and 604,170 in 2014 and 2015 respectively.
“Our perspective for 2016 is to grow our passenger numbers over 2015 figures by 17 per cent to 701,777 and the arrival of the Q400 is the first step in achieving it.” he said.
Speaking on the development, Bombardier Chief Operating Officer, Alain Dugas commended Air Cote d’Ivoire for its choice and delivery of the brand new aircraft.
“I am happy to be here today to herald the arrival of the third Q400 to Air Cote d’Ivoire. The Q400 is becoming very popular on the African continent and it is good for opening new markets. I congratulate Air Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.
The Chairman of the airline’s Board of Directors, General Abdoulaye Coulibaly expressed delight on the arrival of the aircraft and hailed the management team and staff of the airline for all the hard work which has made this delivery a reality.
He also extended gratitude to the Ministry of Transport and the Civil Aviation Authority for their support and cooperation.
“The vision of Air Cote d’Ivoire is to be a tool of integration in the region by connecting major cities in the shortest time possible through direct flights,” he noted.
The colourful ceremony was also attended by high profile dignitaries and guests including the Mr. Roger Kacou, Hon. Minister of Tourism; Ambassador Patricia Mc Cullagh, Canadian Ambassador to Cote d’Ivoire and Mr. Sameer Adam, Director, Sales, Africa and Middle East, Bombardier among others.
