Afric Aviation suspends operations

Gabon's Afric Aviation has suspended operations for a period of six months effective immediately, reports ch-aviation.
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Quoting an internal communique to staff issued by management, L'Union newspaper reports the carrier made the move given mounting financial difficulties. A skeleton staff will be retained over these next six months to help restructure and recertify the carrier. During this time, management will also attempt to find willing partners eager to invest in the Gabonese carrier.

The communique blamed the carrier's difficult financial position on customers that have delayed payment of invoices, due to the widespread economic and financial crisis currently affecting the Central African state. It also recorded financial losses resulting from the prolonged grounding of its only ATR 72-212, and especially the unexpected termination of aircraft leases in operation.

"Before long, management will put into effect, a recovery plan for the said operation, which will result in the opening of the capital to new investors; the re-certification of the company and the commissioning of new aircraft," the statement said.