Air Antilles and Air Guyane will receive their acquisition offer verdicts on Friday, September 29th. In the event of rejection, the companies are poised for liquidation.
Up to this point, two offers have been withdrawn: Deem World Investment’s and Louis Le Carréres’ (solely for Air Guyane).
Diamondale Group still has its offer on the table, although it is likely to face legal hurdles. This group is connected to Intro Aviation, the former owner of Corsair, and seeks to connect with the Senegalese and African diaspora in the Caribbean.
On the other hand, Butterfly Air Group, initiated by a former Air Antilles pilot, remains an active bidder. Despite a minor financial setback, they claim to have secured the necessary funds.
CAFOM aims to acquire the entire CAIRE Group. The company has increased its acquisition offer to 194 employees, with the potential elimination of 102 positions. This increase is attributed to the support of a Guyanese conglomerate and Corsair, facilitated through a strategic alliance. However, the reappearance of former owner Eric Koury as an advisor casts a shadow over CAFOM’s proposal.
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On the opposing front, EDEIS and Guyane Fly are strengthened by a strategic non-competition agreement and substantial material support while maintaining financial autonomy. EDEIS, a specialist in infrastructure engineering and management backed by the Saint-Martin community, has expanded its offer from retaining 83 to 120 employees for Air Antilles. Although their offers resonate with employees, a significant obstacle remains. The air transport certificate of Air Antilles, crucial for operations, depends on the complete acquisition of the company.
The Territorial Collectivity Takes a Stand
Guyana has decided to voice its position on this matter. “I want to emphasize that the solution must ensure economic stability and the preservation of local employment, which we are entitled to as representatives of public service,” explains Gabriel Serville, President of the Assembly. “It is imperative to clarify that Guyana cannot simply be an adjustable component within a broader proposal,” he added.
In a letter addressed to the Minister of Overseas Territories, the President underscores that the Guyanese airline must remain autonomous from its Antillean counterpart. He also criticizes the exclusion of Guyane Fly, which was deemed the only proposal with “prospects of obtaining administrative approvals within a reasonable timeframe.” Serville is unwavering in his stance that only a complete acquisition of Air Guyane will garner the support of the community.
