Air Zaïre right to declare a Zairean company bankrupt and threatened to close Sabena's office in Kinshasa in retaliation. In response, the Belgian government offered the bankrupt carrier's landing rights to Scibe Airlift, an airline which was owned by a Mobutu family member. In 1998, it was reported that the airline had a total debt of BFr1.5 billion, including 700 million which was for social liabilities. After the collapse of Air Zaïre, Sabena entered into a partnership with the Zairean government to create a new airline to be called New Air Zaïre. The new airline would operate domestic services, whilst Sabena would
Sabena technics of 650. More specifically aimed at regional transport and narrow-body aircraft, these facilities include, in particular: three hangars which can accommodate up to 11 aircraft at the same time, and a painting hangar approved by Airbus, which can accommodate all aircraft up to the Boeing 757. This site also houses its JV (Hydrep) with Messier Services, in charge of regional and corporate aircraft and helicopter landing gear overhaul. At Nîmes-Garons airport, Sabena technics has 20,000 m² facilities, with a workforce of over 400. Sabena technics also benefits from a site in Marseille (2,170 m²) where follow-up services are carried out