New national airline for Gabon

The West African nation of Gabon is planning to launch a new national airline as early as next year. President Ali Bongo Ondimba said he had decided on the creation of a new national air company following a cabinet meeting in the central town of Mouila. Air Gabon was liquidated in 2006, and Gabon Airlines has not flown for the past six months. Nevertheless, preparations are “already well advanced” according to Bongo and it is hoped the launch could come in African Cup of Nations Football tournament, scheduled for January and February 2012.