Nigerian Flight Deck Travel and Business Reportage
AZMAN Air jolted Nigerians with the announcement of its rapid expansion drive this 2021 as the airline said it would be acquiring a second Airbus A340 aircraft to join its fleet to enable it launch international services to destinations such as Dubai.
The Kano-based airline is also seeking three Boeing 737-800 aircraft to expand its network into additional West Africa and for international operations and an additional acquisition of 5 lower capacity aircraft to serve less passenger routes
Although mixed feelings pervaded the aviation community in Nigeria when the airline took delivery of the first A340-600, 5N-AAM, a 14.4 years old aircraft operated by Virgin Atlantic since August 2006,the airline managing director held firm the decision to acquire the four-engined jet stating that the airline knew what it was doing.
The airline had tweeted on January 4, 2020,” Mega Plans is underway @AzmanAir to dominate the Aviation Market in 2021 with Arrival of 2nd Airbus A340-600, Arrival of 3 Boeing 737-800 for West Africa and International Operations , Acquisition of 5 Lower Capacity Aircraft to serve less Pax Routes #LetsFlyAzmanAir #2021Goals
According to a recent post by the airline, this second Airbus A340 would be used to launch international operations from Kano. Initially, the airline is eyeing services to China, Dubai, and Jeddah.
Fact is that there is no shortage of the four engine A340-600 in the market as many airlines including UK’s Virgin Atlantic have been retiring the four-engined jets as the two-engined equivalents are now much more fuel-efficient.
However, this is inconsequential as the airline has made its bold choice and will be adding another four engine aircraft to its fleet
