Transport in Chad north of Lake Chad, are practically nonexistent; it is easier to reach Niger via Cameroon and Nigeria. Chad had an estimated 58 airports, only 9 of which had paved runways. Air Tchad (60 percent state owned) provides internal service to 12 locations but suffers from lack of fuel and equipment. The international airport at N’Djamena was damaged in fighting in 1981, but is now served by several international carriers including Air Afrique, which is partly owned by Chad. Another major airport, developed as a military staging area, is located at Sarh. In 2003, scheduled airlines in Chad carried about 46,000
Chad–France relations Hollande paid a visit to Chad. France maintains an air force base at N'Djamena International Airport where it has launched humanitarian and counter-terrorism missions to the Central African Republic, Mali and Niger. In 2016, total trade between Chad and France amounted to €211 million Euros. Chad's main exports to France are primarily Gum arabic and oil. France's main exports to Chad include: medicine, flour, cereals, electronic equipment and automobiles. French multinational companies such as Air France, Le Méridien, Novotel, Société Générale and Total S.A. operate in Chad. Chad–France relations Chad–France relations refers to the diplomatic relations between the Republic of