Delegates from airlines in French-speaking Africa gathered in Ivory coast last week to discuss mutual problems confronting them.

Thirteen airlines make up the central committee of the Air Transport Association of the French Zone (ATSF). The include UTA - he French airline - and the airlines of countries throughout Africa from Tunisia to Madagascar.

The meetings are held every six months and last week's discussion covered such topics are increasing fuel costs, air piracy and the problems of airline security.

At the same time, a four-day conference of the African Civil Aviation commission (CAFAC) was being held in Abidjan. This meeting agreed to form several committees to promote cooperation between West African airlines.

One possibility to be investigate by the 35 member commission is the formation of a multi-national air company.