End to a high-stakes aviation dispute
A months-long legal battle between Air Sénégal and the American leasing company Carlyle has reached a decisive conclusion. The conflict, which centered on the termination of four aircraft lease agreements, has been resolved through a negotiated settlement brokered in Dakar. The breakthrough came after both parties agreed to a conciliation protocol that addressed all outstanding claims and obligations.
The resolution follows the formal approval of a reconciliation agreement signed on May 4, 2026, and subsequently ratified by the Dakar Commercial Court on June 25, 2026. This development has allowed Air Sénégal’s leadership, led by Managing Director Tidiane Ndiaye, to close the case definitively in Senegalese courts.
Under the terms of the settlement, Air Sénégal has fulfilled nearly all financial commitments related to the lease contracts, including unpaid rental fees and maintenance reserves owed up to the date of aircraft return. The company had acknowledged these liabilities from the outset, paving the way for an equitable resolution.
A strategic fleet decision
The dispute originated when Air Sénégal’s new management decided against renewing the leases for two Airbus A319 and two Airbus A321 aircraft. Several factors influenced this decision, including the high operational costs associated with the planes, recurrent maintenance issues, and the need to reduce financial strain on the national carrier. By returning the aircraft, the company sought to streamline its operations and mitigate ongoing financial pressures.
Despite the contract termination, Carlyle pursued legal action against Air Sénégal. However, the two parties later reopened negotiations, ultimately reaching a mutually acceptable agreement that spared both sides further legal and financial complications.
Potential international resolution
The settlement in Dakar may also bring an end to the parallel legal proceedings initiated by Carlyle in New York courts. With the Dakar agreement now in place, the path toward a comprehensive closure of the dispute appears clear, offering both parties an opportunity to move forward without further litigation.
