One of the new entrants, Green Africa, is set to commence scheduled flights as its first ATR 72-600 aircraft arrived at the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, yesterday.
The airline said in a statement by its senior manager, marketing and communications, Oyinade Osobajo that the aircraft is the first of the three equipment currently leased from ACIA Aero Leasing.
Present to receive the aircraft were the airline’s founder and chief executive officer, Mr. Babawande Afolabi, president and chief operating officer, Mr. Neil Mills, the founding team comprising the chief pilot, Capt. Folu Oladipo, director of maintenance and engineering, Mr. Nathan Smith, director of cabin services, Mr. Jasmine Dhillon and director of legal and regulatory affairs, Ms Rebecca Bolarinwa), board member, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, and anchor institutional investor, Kuramo Capital.
Speaking after the aircraft was given water canon salute, Afolabi remarked: “This is a great day for all of us at Green Africa and the beginning of what we all hope is a new era in Nigerian aviation. ACIA Aero Leasing has been a very supportive partner and we are proud of this new relationship.
“The arrival of our first aircraft is a precursor to the completion of our AOC process and very soon, customers from across Nigeria will be able to make bookings on our website and take their first flight with Green Africa.”
Also speaking, the chief executive officer of ACI Aero Leasing, Mick Mooney said: “Whilst the industry is going through a period of significant disruption, there are a few carriers with a strategic road map, such as Green Africa, that are looking to provide effective solutions that the current market opportunity brings.
“We at ACIA are pleased to provide Green Africa with the first set of aircraft to launch its commercial operations, starting with Nigeria and eventually, the broader African continent.”
Osobajo said with the arrival of the aircraft, Green Africa is expected to commence demonstration flights on its route network as part of the AOC process.
Lately, the carrier unveiled the livery of two aircraft – 5N-GAE and 5N-GAA.
It said the third aircraft (5N-GAD) is also now wrapped in the Green Africa livery in preparation for final lap of the AOC process.
