Nigerian operator Green Africa Airways has acquired its first owned aircraft, just after its operations were badly disrupted by a issue with its lessor.
The airline’s chief, Babawande Afolabi, informed passengers of the problems which emerged during the Eid al-Fitr festival.
Afolabi referred to a “sudden and unexpected development” with its lessor which would prevent the carrier from operating services for several days.
Operations would be suspended until after the Eid al-Fitr holiday at the end of March, he said, but assured that the carrier was working towards resuming services “in very short order”.
Green Africa disclosed on 31 March that is had acquired an ATR 72-500, the first in its fleet to be owned.
The turboprop (5N-GAB), formerly with Channel Islands carrier Aurigny and Korea’s Hi Air, has been financed partly through a debt facility provided by Nigerian firm Access Bank.
Green Africa says it expects the aircraft to enter service “shortly” after regulatory approval.
“This incoming aircraft will be pivotal as we thoughtfully navigate the next phase of our journey to bring safe, affordable and reliable air travel to a broader group of customers in the region,” says Afolabi.
Green Africa commenced revenue services in 2021 and has been operating a small fleet of ATRs.
“We are impressed with the Green Africa story and excited about the brand’s future trajectory,” says Access Bank managing director Roosevelt Ogbonna.
