Tunisia New Airline “Jasmin Airways” has to wait Before Flying

Tunisia’s government has blocked the launch of a new airline company dubbed “Jasmin Airways” which was initially set to operate early 2013. The Tunisian ministry of transport did not grant the new airline operating rights, apparently fearing tough competition and seeking to protect flag carrier Tunisair (TU) suffering deep losses.
“The creation of Jasmin Airways with an initial investment of $ 12.7million is expected to create 850 jobs, including positions for 150 direct jobs and 700 indirect jobs”, says Tunisian businessman & company founder Hassan Amaidia.
“The ministry of transport has adopted a protectionist stance and has always opposed the creation of other private companies”, he adds, criticizing the Tunisian authorities stand which “goes against the present realities of passengers wanting choice and low fares”.
Tunisair is the largest operator in Tunisia with an approximate 52% share of seat capacity. The remaining seats are shared between Air France and Air France-KLM Group. Tunisair main competitors are European airlines. The company, which has a fleet of 31 Boeing and Airbus planes, looks ill-prepared to take up competition challenges as the North African country braces for Open-Sky talks with the European Union.