Libya pursues plan for new carrier with Boeing help

Libya is pushing ahead with plans to establish a new national airline with the help of US planemaker Boeing, as part of the North African country’s attempt to rebuild flight networks.

Libyan transport ministry officials met Boeing representatives in Tripoli on Wednesday to discuss the proposed Libyan United Airlines, to be created from a merger of Libyan Airlines and Afriqiyah Airways.

“‎The meeting focused on progress in the preparation of the new carrier’s business plan, including the feasibility study, and the timeline for the establishment of the new carrier and the start of its operations,” the country’s official news agency said.

Libya is split into two rival regions. A United Nations-recognised government of national unity is based in Tripoli in the west, while a government of national stability rules eastern Libya from Benghazi.

Linus Bauer, founder of aviation consultancy BAA and Partners, said consolidation and reform of existing carriers may be a better way forward than founding a new airline.

Strengthening the country’s civil aviation authority, restoring international safety confidence and rebuilding hubs such as Tripoli and Benghazi were needed, he said.

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“Only once that ecosystem is stable does a new flag carrier concept become economically and operationally credible,” Bauer said.

Saj Ahmed, chief analyst at aerospace consultancy StrategicAero Research, said the role of Boeing in the new airline is likely more advisory, and doubted whether the venture would get off the ground.

“Even if there was no war in the Middle East right now, Libya is still a huge mess. Setting up an airline there would be fraught with immense risk,” Ahmed told AGBI.