Air Cote D’Ivoire (HF) has celebrated ten years of successful operations with an international Press Conference on the wings of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) African Cup of Nations (AFCON) games.
Welcoming guests to the gathering, the President of the Board of Directors, General Abdoulaye Coulibaly said the carrier, which is the official airline of AFCON, decided to use the forum to share its achievements over the years as well as outline its commitment, perspectives and plans for the future.
Mr. Laurent Loukou, the Director General of the airline revealed that on the outset, 130 billion FCFA (198 million Euros) was invested into the company with the State of Cote D’Ivoire having 58%; Private Investor Groups with 23%; Air France owning 11% and the West African Bank of Development (BOAD) with 8%. “Our vision is to be the 1st airline in West & Central Africa; to be a leader and reference point. We are building a hub in West Africa to Europe and Africa,” he said.
He noted further that the airline which started with one (1) aircraft in 2013 now flies to twenty (20) destinations covering 95% of the cities in West & Central Africa as well as Johannesburg and five (5) domestic routes with a fleet of nine (9) aircraft comprising of four (4) Bombardier Q400s, two (2) A319s and three (3) A320s. He added that from 2013 to 2023, the airline transported 6.7 million passengers with a market share of 52% and increased revenue of 992 billion FCFA. Personnel also grew from 281 to 587 within the same period and generated an additional 3000 indirect jobs.
He said the airline has grown its corporate image over the years and hopes to improve on its on-time performance with a goal of achieving 85%. In order to do this, the Director General disclosed that the airline plans to take delivery of three (3) new aircraft later in 2024 that will bring the fleet to twelve (12), adding that by year’s end HF will take delivery of an A330-900neo that will allow the carrier launch its long haul flights.
The long haul destinations being planned include the launch of flights to Paris in December 2024, to be followed by Beirut, London, Geneva, Washington and New York. He also revealed that the airline will open flights to Casablanca on April 15, 2024 with four (4) weekly services.
Speaking on the Paris flights, the Director General said, “The aircraft will have 44 Business, 21 Premium and 172 Economy seats. We invested a lot on the internal comfort of the plane and have fitted Vintage XL Seats which is the first in Africa and only the second in the world. The aircraft also has the latest in-flight entertainment as well as wifi, and onboard telephone and we want the product to have an African feel and warmth.”
Lending his voice on the features of the aircraft, Airbus Vice President Sales Africa, Mr. Hadi Akoum said, “The aircraft has operational flexibility with 50% less fuel consumption and can go further with more passengers and cargo. It is one of the most silent airplanes in the world with unrivalled comfort.”
As the official airline of the AFCON tournament being held in Cote D’Ivoire, Mr. Loukou said; “We are partners with AFCON and we have done 78 flights airlifting CAF delegates as well as players and officials of various countries without any mistake. If you add the return flights, that will be well over 100 flights. That is an impressive performance.”
