ASKY returns to the air without reducing its size
On August 3, ASKY resumed its flights to some fifteen African countries. After more than three months of inactivity due to the global health crisis, the carrier, based in Lomé, Togo, returns to the air with resilience amidst several uncertainties.
While the reopening of air borders is gradually effective in several African countries, it comes with its share of restrictions. "We are operating in fewer markets than expected with limited frequencies, this affects our channel, our demand and connectivity", explains Nowel Ngala, ASKY's commercial director, who underlines that the company is evolving for the moment with a rate infill of less than 50%.
In this still restrictive context, the bill continues to rise for the carrier. “During the first three months of the crisis, the financial impact was estimated at more than 12.5 billion FCFA. Currently we are in the fourth month and these figures will be revised upwards. "
With the great uncertainty that persists on the total resumption of operations, ASKY wants to be cautious about financial projections for the rest of the year. But obviously the contrast will be huge compared to last year's operational performance. "2019 has been a good year for the company because it has made reasonable profits, but we consider 2020 to be one of the worst years since the launch of our operations in 2010."
To date, ASKY, owned by several African banking institutions in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines (20%), has not received any government assistance. However, it remains resilient despite its hard-hit cash flow. “So far, we have been able to maintain our full staff without downsizing or cutting wages. The size of our fleet - nine aircraft - has also remained intact. "
In the midst of this crisis, the company opted for stabilization of gains. “Our expansion plan for 2020 has been suspended, both in terms of new lines and the acquisition of aircraft. We will consolidate the existing until we come out of the crisis. "
To allow ASKY to reconnect with its pre-pandemic traffic, Nowel Ngala believes that African governments have a big score to play. In addition to removing certain barriers, it will be necessary to eliminate the additional costs imposed by the Covid-19, which discourage travelers. More generally, “African countries should open their skies to allow airlines to fully resume their operations and play the role of catalyst for economic growth. "
He also sees an opportunity to be seized with the withdrawal of international companies from several intra-African routes where they enjoyed the fifth freedom of the air. This is the perfect time to boost connectivity by accelerating the effectiveness of the Single Air Transport Market (MUTAA) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), thinks ASKY's commercial director.
While the reopening of air borders is gradually effective in several African countries, it comes with its share of restrictions. "We are operating in fewer markets than expected with limited frequencies, this affects our channel, our demand and connectivity", explains Nowel Ngala, ASKY's commercial director, who underlines that the company is evolving for the moment with a rate infill of less than 50%.
In this still restrictive context, the bill continues to rise for the carrier. “During the first three months of the crisis, the financial impact was estimated at more than 12.5 billion FCFA. Currently we are in the fourth month and these figures will be revised upwards. "
With the great uncertainty that persists on the total resumption of operations, ASKY wants to be cautious about financial projections for the rest of the year. But obviously the contrast will be huge compared to last year's operational performance. "2019 has been a good year for the company because it has made reasonable profits, but we consider 2020 to be one of the worst years since the launch of our operations in 2010."
To date, ASKY, owned by several African banking institutions in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines (20%), has not received any government assistance. However, it remains resilient despite its hard-hit cash flow. “So far, we have been able to maintain our full staff without downsizing or cutting wages. The size of our fleet - nine aircraft - has also remained intact. "
In the midst of this crisis, the company opted for stabilization of gains. “Our expansion plan for 2020 has been suspended, both in terms of new lines and the acquisition of aircraft. We will consolidate the existing until we come out of the crisis. "
To allow ASKY to reconnect with its pre-pandemic traffic, Nowel Ngala believes that African governments have a big score to play. In addition to removing certain barriers, it will be necessary to eliminate the additional costs imposed by the Covid-19, which discourage travelers. More generally, “African countries should open their skies to allow airlines to fully resume their operations and play the role of catalyst for economic growth. "
He also sees an opportunity to be seized with the withdrawal of international companies from several intra-African routes where they enjoyed the fifth freedom of the air. This is the perfect time to boost connectivity by accelerating the effectiveness of the Single Air Transport Market (MUTAA) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), thinks ASKY's commercial director.
Source: newsaero
