The national airline has officially integrated a brand-new Boeing 737-800, named “Gorée”, into its active operations. This acquisition represents a decisive milestone in bolstering the country’s aerial sovereignty and reinforcing its transport infrastructure. The official announcement took place in Dakar on 7 September 2026.
This expansion was achieved through direct financial backing from the Senegalese government, coordinated by the Ministry of Land and Air Transport under the leadership of Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye. The national carrier views this investment as a direct reflection of a state strategy to equip the nation with an aviation sector capable of matching its economic, tourism, and international ambitions, driven by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Technical specifications and cabin comfort
The newly acquired single-aisle aircraft from the Boeing 737 NG series is highly regarded for its versatility on short and medium-haul routes. It will provide the airline with vital extra capacity to optimize its regional network. Configured with a dual-class cabin, the plane offers a total of 174 seats, including 12 in Business Class and 162 in Economy Class, all fitted with comfortable Recaro seating. The aircraft spans 39.5 meters in length with a wingspan of 35.8 meters, and is equipped with three galleys and three restrooms.
A flying symbol of history and regional connectivity
Naming the aircraft “Gorée” carries deep historical significance. As an island-memorial of the transatlantic slave trade and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1978, Gorée stands as a global emblem of remembrance, resilience, and intercultural dialogue. The airline envisions this aircraft as a flying ambassador, carrying this powerful name across Africa and the wider world, bridging the nation’s historical legacy with its global diaspora and international outreach.
Beyond its symbolic value, this new addition is set to stimulate the national tourism industry by facilitating visitor arrivals and enhancing connections to regional and international markets. The carrier outlined several key strategic objectives for this acquisition, which include boosting operational capacity, sustaining corporate growth, defending the country’s aviation independence, and elevating the overall passenger experience.
