The plan to rescue national carrier Tunisair was the focus of a meeting held between the President Kaïs Saïed, Minister of Transport, Rabii Mejidi, and the company’s CEO, Khaled Chelli on Friday at Carthage Palace.

During the meeting, Saïed stressed the need to renew Tunisair’s fleet and implement a programme to acquire new aircraft, according to a press release from the Presidency.

The Head of State also emphasised the need to draw up an action plan for the sale of aircraft that are no longer in service or their defective spare parts.

The President of the Republic also called for the improvement of air and ground services, recalling that Tunisair used to be one of the best international airlines.

“Tunisair was one of the best public companies for years before it was hit hard by corruption, like other companies,” he said.

In this context, he called for this company to be allowed to regain its influence, stressing that “the parties who today want to sell this public company or drive it into bankruptcy must assume their responsibilities”.

On another level, Saied stressed that “we want the skies to be open for Tunisian planes and not to be strewn by planes that do not include ours,»

He also recommended that pilgrims be given the necessary assistance to return to Tunisia.

Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse