Senegal Airlines, due to begin flights in 2010, has joined in "strategic, technical and commercial partnership" with Dubai's Emirates, the largest Middle East carrier, a press release said Friday.
The agreement was signed on Wednesday, according to a Senegalese government source, during the biennial Dubai Airshow.
"The terms of the partnership will be negotiated later", the government source said, "Emirates will accompany the new company on commercial and technical aspects, and staff training".
Private operators own 64 percent in Senegal Airlines, the state 31 percent and 5 percent by individuals.
The new company replaces Air Senegal International, which was owned by the state and the now liquidated Royal Air Maroc.
Dubai has already invested in Senegal, and is planning the construction of a new terminal in the capital Dakar, "Port of the future", which will require an investment of over 300 million euros.
