Air France announces strategic appointments for ANSCO region and Tunisia

Air France is bolstering its leadership team with two significant appointments aimed at enhancing its operations and customer engagement across key regions. Lionel Rault has been named General Manager for Air France-KLM's North Africa, Sahel, and West Coast (ANSCO) region, effective August 1, 2026.

Rault brings 27 years of experience within Air France, most recently serving as General Manager for the Caribbean region. His extensive career includes various operational and managerial roles at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly airports, as well as within France's airport management division. He previously held positions as station manager in Toulouse, regional director for French Polynesia, and director in Martinique.

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I am honored and delighted to join the General Management of North Africa, Sahel, and West Coast. I will be committed to continuing Nadia's work to strengthen our competitiveness and defend the interests of the countries in the zone for our clients. I look forward to joining our teams with recognized professionalism, building strong relationships with the authorities of the different countries, and strengthening our ties with all our clients and partners.

In his new capacity, Rault will focus on expanding Air France's activities within the ANSCO region and elevating the customer experience. He succeeds Nadia Azalé, who is moving to a new role within the group. Rault expressed his honor and enthusiasm for the appointment, emphasizing his commitment to continuing Azalé's work in strengthening competitiveness and advocating for the region's interests. Azalé, in turn, thanked the markets, teams, and partners for their contributions during her tenure in the ANSCO region as she transitions to her new role as Vice President France and DOM-TOM.

Additionally, Air France has appointed Sadri Essid as the Director of Air France Tunisia. Essid, who previously served as the Director of Direct Sales for Morocco, succeeds Olivier Dubus. Dubus will now take on the role of Commercial Director for the ANSCO regional delegation. These appointments underscore Air France's dedication to sustained development in the ANSCO markets and reinforcing its relationships with clients and partners.

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As I conclude my expatriation in the North Africa, Sahel, and West region, I sincerely thank the markets, teams, and our partners for their commitment to the successes achieved together. I leave this region with emotion and pride to take up my new position as Vice President France and DOM-TOM, with great confidence in the future and in the teams' ability to continue this beautiful dynamic.