While the company no longer flies more than 15 aircraft (out of the 25 included in its Air Operator’s Certificate), it is counting on the arrival by April 2023 of 5 new A320neos (on lease, 2 already arrived) to standardize its fleet.
The 737-600, A319, and old A320 will be discontinued. The goal is to operate, by 2025, 19 aircraft, only A320s and A330s.
On the network side, Tunisair is currently concentrating only on its most profitable routes, first and foremost the links to the France (40% of the company’s turnover, 35% in pax), yet still down 60% from 2019 levels.
Lines that no longer cover their operating costs have been temporarily discontinued. This is the case for the routes between Tunis and Prague, Beirut, Dakar or even Rome.
“But these are only strategic retreats before a comeback. We are extremely optimistic about the coming summer. Our flights are full between France and Tunisia, and the demand is increasing so much that we are thinking about renting planes for the summer”says Khaled Chelly.
After long months of negotiations with the Tunisian government, the carrier’s restructuring plan also provides for the sale of real estate assets or renegotiations with creditors. While 1,000 employees left between 2014 and 2019, bringing the workforce to 6,950 for the entire Tunisair group (3,200 for the company alone), 1000 new job cuts are still scheduled.