Air Burkina (2J, Ouagadougou) majority shareholder, the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) & Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), will reportedly be called in for talks by the Government of Burkina Faso after its most recent Council of Ministers meeting resolved to discuss the airline's current financial state. According to the Burkinabe Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport, a recent report presented to government outlining the current state of Air Burkina, claims the Burkinabe national carrier "faces a difficult financial and economic situation." The APA Newswire reports that thus far, the tie up with AKFED has proven fruitful with turnover rising from XFA4.8billion (USD9.98million) prior to privatisation, to XFA15billion post though alleged subsequent "financial difficulties", likely brought on by the recent war in neighbouring Mali, are said to have taken their toll. There is also the aspect of increased pressure from regional and international carriers all of which are vying for a piece of the lucrative West African travel market. Part of Air Burkina's newly appointed Managing Director, Mr Abderahamane Berthé's responsibilities include overseeing the airline's response to increased competition on its regional routes from recent arrivals Tunisair (TU, Tunis) an Turkish Airlines (TK, Istanbul Airport). Should talks prove unfruitful with AKFED, Ouagadougou is reportedly considering either the creation of a new state airline or finding a new investor. AKFED currently has shareholdings in Air Burkina, Air Uganda (Entebbe/Kampala) and Air Mali (Bamako). However, owing to the recent civil strife in the country, Air Mali has been forced to suspend operations pending a more stable political and economic environment. In June, AKFED elected to divest its 15% shareholding from Air Burkina's sister carrier, Air Côte d'Ivoire (HF, Abidjan), but gave no reason for the move.