Burkina Faso is on a quest toward greater national sovereignty and control over its economy, and its state-owned airline, Air Burkina, plays a role. The company, which experienced economic hardship in early 2024, was back on its feet by the end of the year. And, most excitingly, it purchased its first aircraft since 1983!
For the past four decades, Air Burkina has relied on renting aircraft from other companies. Now, with its own Embraer E190 aircraft, it is one step closer to self-reliance.
Air transportation is increasingly important as Burkina Faso forges greater unity with neighbouring Mali and Niger, fellow members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The three countries are seeking to form a Pan-African country and eliminate their colonial borders. Air transport will allow people to quickly and safely travel between large stretches of arid land within the confederation. That is especially the case now, as t*rrorist organisations believed to be backed by France and Ukraine spread violence along border zones.
Congratulations to Air Burkina and the people-powered Alliance of Sahel States!
Video credit: @rtburkina
Sources:
https://lefaso.net/spip.php article133153#:~:text=Air%20Burkina%20vient%20de%20se,%22%2C%20pr%C3%A9cise%20la%20compagnie%20nationale.
http://ismaili.net/timeline/2001/20010226.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j1cpxtC-Pao
https://www.africanews.com/2023/12/02/burkina-faso-mali-and-niger-look-to-form-a-federation/