- Plans to acquire 15 aircraft by 2022
AHEAD of plans to commence Phase 4 of its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) acquisition, Green Africa Airways which is working to finalize its certification is set to take delivery of two ATR72-600 aircraft to commence demonstration flights, the first set of 15 aircraft planned for operations by 2022.
The airline unveiled two ATR 72-600 with registration marks 5N-GAA and 5N-GAE whose livery were recently painted in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Green Africa, Babawande Afolabi while unveiling the aircraft in a video said, “Today we unveil our first set of ATR aircraft in the Green Africa livery, our first set of ATR72 have been painted in the vibrant Green Africa livery and are due to arrive Lagos, Nigeria anytime for now.  This is part of our final step to build Green Africa into a vibrant carrier and we remain committed in our mission to use the power of air travel to create a better future for everyone. READ ALSO; Green Africa Airways sets for 2020 launch, leases three A220-300s from GTLK Europe
Speaking on short term plans, Afolabi said, “With the latest technology the ATR 72-600 will be flying in Nigeria for the first time and we plan to deploy up to 15 aircraft between now and 2022 and in addition to Lagos we plan to open between two to three bases in the country over the next 18 months, this will enable us to connect more cities with affordable fares to customers and bring the joy and value of air travel to a much broader group to people.
The ATR72-600 is considered one of the most fuel efficient regional aircraft with a fuel burn advantage that drives lower costs and emissions and makes it the optimal aircraft for regional markets. The ATR 72-600 operating costs are 20% lower than other turboprops.
The aircraft is factory configured to seat between 44-78 passengers.
Recall, Green Africa had signed a strategic partnership with Nigeria’s First City Monument Bank (FCMB) last quarter of 2020, which gives the airline access to short- to medium-term liquidity.
An agreement which will see FCMB will provide Green Africa with up to USD31 million in a combination of working capital and credit during the pre-sales period beginning early 1Q21. Revenue from customer sales will be deposited exclusively at Green Africa’s operating account with FCMB.READ ALSO: Green Africa, FCMB enter strategic alliance to boost air travel, human capital development
The lender’s payment solutions are to be integrated into Green Africa’s ticketing platform and the parties will explore other areas of commercial opportunities. They will also work together to provide loans to develop aviation talent, including the training of pilots, crew and engineers.
Â
