Air Sénégal resolves aircraft dispute with Carlyle group in Dakar settlement

Air Sénégal and the American investment firm Carlyle, which specializes in aircraft leasing, have successfully concluded a complex legal dispute over the termination of a lease agreement involving four aircraft. The resolution, finalized in Dakar, marks the end of a prolonged disagreement that had escalated into international court proceedings.

The breakthrough came after both parties engaged in intensive negotiations, culminating in a mutually agreed settlement. The agreement, signed on May 4, 2026, was formally approved by the Dakar Commercial Court on June 25, 2026, effectively closing the case. This accord not only resolves the dispute in Senegal but also paves the way for the withdrawal of Carlyle’s legal proceedings in New York.

Under the terms of the settlement, Air Sénégal has fulfilled nearly all outstanding financial obligations, including overdue lease payments and maintenance reserves. The company had acknowledged its debt obligations from the outset, and the settlement ensures these are now settled in full.

The dispute originated from Air Sénégal’s decision to terminate the lease of two Airbus A319 and two Airbus A321 aircraft, which were part of its fleet. The new management team, led by CEO Tidiane Ndiaye, opted to remove these planes due to mounting operational and financial challenges.

Why Air Sénégal decided to terminate the leases

The airline cited several key factors behind its decision. The high cost of leasing and maintenance, combined with persistent technical issues affecting the aircraft, placed an unsustainable burden on the company’s finances. Continuing to operate these planes risked exacerbating Air Sénégal’s financial difficulties, making their removal a strategic necessity.

The termination of the contracts did not immediately resolve the matter. Carlyle pursued legal action against Air Sénégal, escalating the conflict before both sides resumed negotiations and reached an amicable resolution.

Legal closure and future implications

The Dakar settlement not only brings an end to the litigation in Senegal but also signals a potential resolution of the parallel legal battle in New York. With the financial obligations now settled, the path is clear for both parties to move forward without further legal entanglements.

The successful resolution underscores the importance of dialogue in resolving complex commercial disputes, particularly in high-stakes industries like aviation. For Air Sénégal, the agreement provides much-needed financial clarity, allowing the airline to focus on strengthening its operations and fleet strategy.