Airbus, Boeing and ATR Each See Orders for Airliners from African Carriers

Three African carriers announced orders for new aircraft at the recent Dubai Airshow demonstrating confidence in the region’s potential for the growth of air-traffic. Dar es Salaam-based Air Tanzania announced an order for one Boeing 787-7, one 767-300F and two 737 MAXs. The order, which Boeing said was valued at more than $726 million at list prices, was previously listed on Boeing’s orders and deliveries site as being from an unidentified customer. Nigerian regional carrier Ibom Air’s firm order with Airbus for ten A220s was an all-new deal. The aircraft will more than double Ibom’s fleet size, which currently consists of two wet-leased A220s and five CRJ900s. Deliveries will begin in 2023 and will be for growth of the airline, Ibom Air CEO Mfon Udom said at the signing ceremony. The state-owned airline wants to expand its network across Africa and is also looking to destinations like Casablanca and Cairo, he said.

The deal is for A220-100s and A300s, with the smaller A100 making up the bulk of the order, the Chief Operations Officer of Airbus said. The contract provides flexibility to Ibom to up-gauge the A100s if expansion plans require more capacity. French regional turboprop manufacturer ATR announced a new order from Gabon-based AfriJet for three ATR 72-600s. The carrier currently operates a single ATR 72-600 and a single ATR 42-300.