Air Sénégal (HC, Dakar Blaise Diagne International) has acquired its first in-house B737-800 in a transaction fully financed and managed by the Senegalese government, the airline announced in a statement published by Dakar-based news agency Seneweb.

The acquisition reflects the government's commitment to expanding Air Senegal's operational capabilities and improving its competitiveness in regional and international markets, the airline said. CEO Tidiane Ndiaye credited the purchase entirely to state support, saying it demonstrated confidence in the carrier's growth prospects.

Air Senegal did not disclose the aircraft's identity, delivery date, or previous operator, or whether it will be owned outright or leased. ch-aviation has contacted the airline for more information.

It said the B737-800 will serve as the official aircraft for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (October 31 to November 13), transporting the Olympic flame to Senegal ahead of the event. It will receive a special Dakar 2026 livery to promote the Games, the first Olympic event to be held on the African continent.

The airline said the acquisition forms part of its long-term fleet modernisation strategy and broader efforts to build a stronger, more competitive national carrier while supporting domestic connectivity and economic development.

During the first quarter of 2026, the Senegalese government provided financial support worth XOF27 billion West African francs (USD47.7 million) to Air Sénégal through operating subsidies and investment transfers, half of which was earmarked for the acquisition of two aircraft.

In November 2025, the airline committed to ordering nine B737-8s with a further six options directly from Boeing to support its regional and international expansion.

Air Sénégal currently wet leases two B737-800s from GetJet Airlines for regional flights to Abidjan, Cotonou Cadjehoun, Conakry, Casablanca Mohammed V, and Tenerife Sur, according to ADS-B data. It also wet leases one B777-200ER from MyWay Airlines for its services to Paris CDG. The in-house fleet comprises two ATR72-600s, of which only one, 6V-ASN (msn 1452), is flying domestic and regional routes.