/ 6 January 1999

NO HEAT FOR AIR IVOIRE

A NUMBER of large airlines thought to be interested in buying the Cote d’Ivoire’s national airline, Air Ivoire, have snubbed the deal and are refusing to commit to any proposals. Aviation source said on Tuesday that 19 major airlines which initially showed interest in buying the 51% shares at stake in Air Ivoire have not returned the interest. Air Ivoire has a budget deficit of 2,5-billion CFA francs and relies on hired aircraft.