For Mohamed Ghelala, chief executive of Air Burkina since 2002, the recent development of the national carrier holds much promise for the future.
The rather unremarkable history of the airline, formed by the then Upper Volta government as Air Volta on 17 March 1967, took a decisive step forward on 21 February 2001, when, as part of a privatisation policy by the government of the renamed Burkina Faso state, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) acquired a 76% stake the airline. The government retained 14% of the shares, with the remainder bought by local companies.
In 1985, in line with the new national identity, Air Volta became Air Burkina. Although Burkina Faso is one of the poorest nations in Africa, the liberal attitude by the government has resulted in growing foreign investment, which has enabled a gradual expansion of the airline. “An increase in capital to CFA3.5 billion [$8 million) has also helped Air Burkina to move forward,” Ghelala says. “As has the management, training and logistics support provided by Italy’s Meridiana, another Aga Khan company. As part of the Celestair Group, Air Burkina is now a key member of a new West African hub for AKFED.”
Ismailimail 