AES States Formalize Creation of Joint Airline

At the third edition of the Civil Aviation Days (JDAC), member states of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) officially approved the establishment of a joint regional airline. The agreement was signed on April 22, 2026, in Niamey, Niger, during a high-level meeting that brought together transport ministers, heads of civil aviation authorities, and technical and financial partners.

Through this initiative, AES countries aim to equip the confederation with a shared carrier to strengthen regional connectivity. In parallel, officials also discussed plans to create a joint body responsible for investigating civil aviation accidents and incidents, with the goal of improving air safety in line with international standards.

The meeting concluded with three key recommendations: pooling resources and efforts across member states, developing a coordinated roadmap for the growth of civil aviation, and expanding air freight activities within the region.

Participants unanimously emphasized the strategic importance of air transport as a driver of economic development, regional integration, and solidarity among AES countries.

The idea of launching a common airline dates back to November 2023, just two months after the formation of the AES confederation. It was first proposed during a ministerial meeting held in Bamako, Mali.