South Sudan is looking for an international company to help run its national airline in a public-private partnership.

Landlocked South Sudan announced it would set up its own airline in a bid to better connect with the outside world.

Deputy minister of transport, Mayom Kuoc Malek, said the project is a priority, and hopes to establish an efficient aviation industry.  
 
The government plans to take a 20% stake in the airline, sell 31% to the domestic private sector and 49% to international investors.

A committee planned to review tenders from companies and select one after about a month.

The minister said he is looking at modern planes - Boeings and Airbuses, and other suitable aircraft.

South Sudan said last week that China would provide a $158-million loan to help finish a new airport in Juba.
 
Some 22 airlines currently serve Juba International Airport, mostly from neighbours such as Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.
 
South Sudan seceded from Sudan after voting for independence in a referendum promised under a 2005 peace deal that ended decades of civil war. The government is looking for foreign investment to develop the economy. 

Source: Reuters