Senegalese authorities have announced that the country’s national carrier Senegal Airlines will be replaced by a new one in the coming weeks.

The move follows a decision by the aviation regulator to revoke the company’s air operator’s certificate due to major losses and mismanagement.

Finance Minister Ahmadou Ba made the announcement but did not give details on the new company set to replace Senegal Airlines crippled by debt.

The airline, created in 2009, owes more than $78m (£550m) to creditors, and the union leaders, speaking on behalf of its 229 workers, say they are owed several months’ worth of pay.

Several African airliners are feeling the effects of stiff competition from major carriers.

Last month, Cape Verde’s national airline announced plans to reduce its workforce and to review flight destinations.

Kenya Airways also recently announced that it would lay off 600 workers.