ACIA Aero delivers ATRs to boost Green Africa's launch

Seizing on the opportunity to launch a new value passenger airline amid the pandemic-induced market disruption, Green Africa laid out a roadmap for its market entry by deploying ACIA’s ATR aircraft to deliver low-cost, short-haul connectivity between Nigerian cities to stimulate the region’s economic development and business activity.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Green Africa’s experienced local and international management team to get their airline off the ground while supporting their ambitious mission to spur regional economic development through increased connectivity,” commented ACIA’s CEO Mick Mooney.
As the aviation community positions for the sector for its nascent recovery, start-up carriers, such as Green Africa, are economizing on the opportunity to sustainably enter into service, scale, and be better positioned to serve customers in a post-pandemic environment. Aided by the benefits of fuel-efficiency and advantageous operating economics of the latest technology ATR 72-600, Green Africa has introduced affordable fares and new city-pair options.
Babawande Afolabi, founder & CEO of Green Africa, said: “Receiving our third aircraft today signifies Green Africa’s readiness to enter into service and start serving our customers. ACIA Aero Leasing has been a very supportive partner and we are proud of this relationship.”
ACIA has been growing its reach on the continent and the company’s GM for Africa, Elze LeRoux, sees even more in the future.
“Nigeria is a core target market as we believe there will be significant growth,” she said. “Our ultimate goal is to be a significant part of our customers’ long-term success. The team’s knowledge of African operations and the challenges faced by operators have been key to getting these first aircraft delivered to Green Africa.”
Green Africa plans to deploy the ATRs primarily across Nigeria between now and December 2022, with plans for expansion into the broader African continent and the addition of two to three new airport bases in Nigeria over the period of twelve to 18 months.
“Our commercial team continues to actively pursue opportunities to deliver financing options to our existing and potential customers, both within Africa and beyond. We can get deals done in environments from which other lessors might shy away, focusing on getting results for our customers and ensuring that the aircraft are delivered on time, despite the challenges that the pandemic continues to pose,” Mooney said.

Green Africa receives ATR 72 from ACIA to facilitate take-off (Image: Newswire)