Gabonese airline Afrijet has signed a firm order for one ATR 42-600, with an option for an additional aircraft, with regional aircraft manufacturer ATR. The new aircraft will replace Afrijet's older ATR 42-500 model, offering enhanced passenger amenities to meet the regional air travel needs of Gabonese communities. It will join FlyGabon's existing fleet of two ATR 72-600 aircraft. The delivery of the first aircraft is planned for 2025, with the optional second aircraft scheduled for 2026.
Launched in 2024, FlyGabon's aim is to further enhance affordable regional mobility across the country and boost the national economy, progressively benefitting from the restoration of provincial airports. The ATR 42-600 will play a crucial role in ensuring all Gabonese communities have access to quick, reliable, and affordable travel options.
The ATR 42-600 is an ideal platform for serving remote communities, offering the lowest cost per trip in its category. It boasts a 30% reduction in fuel consumption compared to similar-sized regional jets and can operate effectively in challenging environments, excelling in both environmental performance and operational flexibility.
“The acquisition of this ATR 42-600 represents a significant step forward in FlyGabon's fleet development. The aircraft will replace Afrijet's ATR 42-500, currently under maintenance and scheduled to leave the fleet next year,” stated Nyl Moret-Mba, Afrijet's General Manager. “Equipped with 46 seats and cutting-edge technologies, we firmly believe that we have selected the most suitable aircraft model to address the unique demands of passenger traffic and to align with the airport infrastructure across our provinces.”
