From September 19, 2024, On Senegal will stop operating the direct line connecting Dakar (DSS) to New York (JFK). This connection, with a distance of 3,830 miles, is currently operated twice a week according to the following schedules: Flight HC407 (Departs Dakar at 4:00 a.m., arrives in New York at 9:00 a.m.) – Flight HC408 (Departs New York at 1:30am, arrives in Dakar at 1:50pm).
A decision that raises questions
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Air Senegal’s decision can be explained by several factors. It was expensive to run this route, mainly due to the long flight time, which stayed on the ground for more than 16 hours in each round. By leasing the plane from another company, the costs are further increased, making this connection difficult to make profitable.
In addition, the lack of codeshare agreements with other airlines in the United States has limited Air Senegal’s ability to attract passengers beyond New York. As a result, the company had to face direct competition from Delta Air Lines, which benefits from more connections, more frequencies, and a better established reputation in this market. On this route, Air Senegal flights have had an occupancy rate of less than 70%, and sometimes even well below 50%.
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Why is there a break now?
This suspension comes at a time when the line appears to be in deficit for several years. This decision could be linked to the deep financial analysis that the new Senegalese president needs for public companies, including Air Senegal. The study would have revealed the financial problems associated with this route, thus justifying its closure.
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2024-08-24 12:17:24
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