By TesfaNews,
Sudanese national carrier, Sudan Airways (SD), has signed a cooperation agreement with Eritrean Airlines (B8) that will enable Eritrean operating some flights on behalf of Sudan Airways out of Khartoum.
Passengers flying on Sudan Airways can now take advantage of what looks like a codeshare agreement to enable them fly to destinations that currently operated by Sudan Airways by making use of Eritrean Airlines.
Accordingly, Eritrean Airlines will initially start operating on routes from Khartoum to Juba and the United Arab Emirates where Sudan Airways currently offers flights to Abu Dhabi International (AUH), Dubai International (DXB) and Sharjah International (SHJ).
Recently the CEO of Eritrean Airlines, Mr. Teklemariam Tedla, pointed out that the airline is looking to boost its own international frequencies by linking Asmara-Dubai, Asmara-Khartoum, Asmara-Jeddah and Asmara-Rome. He said plans to fly to West African countries is also in the pipeline.
Besides with the overhaul of its only asset, the Boeing 767-200ER, the Airline has secured a wet-lease from charter carrier Balkan Holidays (BH) Air for an A319-100 and A320-200 aircrafts to accomplish its goals.
Another Eritrea based private and partner airline company, Nasair-Eritrea, is also competing the national carrier by operating flights to and from Asmara-Juba, Asmara-Khartoum, Asmara-Chad, Asmara-Jeddah, Asmara-Nairobi and Asmara-Entebbe besides providing charter flights to Europe and domestic flights to the port cities of Massawa and Assab on a daily basis.
Despite its addition to the EU No-Fly list last year, Eritrean Airlines is still able to operate its Asmara – Rome flights as it uses an Airbus A319 wet-leased from BH.
Aviation sources explain the agreement is due to short of aircrafts within the Sudanese Airways due to maintenance issues caused by the lack of spare parts for its A300-600 fleet.
