The Tunisian government announced that Tunisair will cut 1,200 jobs within three years under a restructuring plan. Those cuts will cost about TND170 million (USD56 million).
The government decided to provide financial support to help the carrier repair defective equipment and charter flights during the peak of the tourist season.
Elias Munchabi, director general of Tunisair, said that the program demands a credit of TND1.3 billion (USD433 million).
Since the government is incapable of providing this credit in one batch, the rehabilitation plan will be implemented through phases, he added.
Tunisian Minister of Transport Hichem Ben Ahmed denied that authorities were seeking to privatize the company, affirming that the national carrier belongs to all Tunisians.
He further denied media reports that the carrier was on the verge of bankruptcy and that it was unable to fulfill its commitments.
Tunisair seeks to provide high-quality services for Tunisians and tourists alike, he stressed.
Tunisair had previously revealed a program to purchase six new airplanes to update its aging fleet.
Until the new jets are delivered, it is expected to rent five additional ones to meet the needs of the tourist season. At least 9 million tourists are expected to visit Tunisia.
