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Vintage, Rare, 1960’s…
AIR AFRIQUE (African Airline)
Republique Islamique De Mauritanie (Mauritania)
Keychain
Key Ring / Fob
MADE IN FRANCE
Round fob measures 1 1/4” across.
Features embossed national emblem design on front, with embossed & etched Air Afrique logo on back.
Hinged key ring has “MADE IN FRANCE” etched on loop.
History of Air Afrique:
Air Afrique airline had a four-decade run, seeing a quick rise and slow fall from 1961 to 2002.
Air Afrique airline was founded by 11 newly independent French-speaking states in West Africa, namely Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mauritania, Niger, the Republic of the Congo, and Senegal.
The airline was fostered and funded by the French government at first, with Air France and Union Aéromaritime de Transport (UAT) each taking a 17% stake in the new airline. The remaining 66% was split between the 11 member states, amounting to 500 million CAF francs. The airline officially commenced operations in August 1961, flying routes between the states using 12 DC-4s from AF and UAT.
As Air Afrique grew, it quickly looked to remove its dependence on its French ownership. By 1963, the airline and member states were the only shareholders, and the entire fleet from UAT had been purchased. This let the carry pursue an independent policy, although it continued its expansion globally through partnerships with airlines like Pan Am.
After a two-decade run that felt like it wouldn't end, Air Afrique's debt caught up to it, and France sent a government official to take over the carrier. While the airline stayed afloat through the 1990s, it became clear that a significant shrinkage would need to take place for the airline to survive. This didn't materialize, but in 1997, Sir Harry Tirvangadum took over the airline and managed to reduce debts slightly, while adding planes to boost revenue.
The final blow came after 9/11, which saw the global industry enter a tailspin. Despite attempts to keep the airline afloat, Air Afrique was declared bankrupt in February 2002 and has not flown since.
CONDITION:
Excellent, vintage condition. Never used. See photos for details.
Please message for any questions, thanks.
