TrueNoord has delivered a factory-new ATR42-600 (MSN 1801) to Afrijet Business Service S.A. – operating as FLYGABON. The aircraft will be on a long-term operating lease and with this delivery, Afrijet Business Service completes its fleet transition from a fleet of ATR-500 series to the latest generation of turboprop aircraft.
It is also the first ATR equipped with Pratt & Whitney Canada PW127XT engines in TrueNoord’s rapidly expanding fleet of turboprops, regional and crossover jets. This enhanced engine type delivers greater value to regional airlines through operational cost savings (including extended intervals between overhauls and reduced direct maintenance costs), and environmental benefits, such as lower fuel consumption and decreased CO₂ emissions.
“This versatile aircraft will mainly fly domestic routes within Gabon, and it has the ability to serve remote destinations,” comments Marc Gaffajoli, Chairman of the Board at Afrijet Business Service. “Thanks to the delivery of this aircraft, Afrijet Business Service now has the youngest ATR-600 series fleet in Africa. It is the most modern and fuel-efficient turboprop currently in production and we have worked very closely with the team at TrueNoord to streamline our fleet with this tailored financing solution and swift execution. We have built a great relationship.”
For TrueNoord, Maarten Grift, Sales Director – Africa, Middle East & CIS says, “TrueNoord is delighted to welcome Afrijet Business Service as a new lessee and to support their fleet modernisation. We thank the experienced Afrijet Business Service team for the confidence they have placed in TrueNoord, and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.
“Leasing this latest technology, fuel-efficient turboprop to Afrijet Business Service is part of our strategy to support the continuous improvement of the regional fleet operating in Africa,” adds Grift. Afrijet Business Service (FLYGABON) becomes the fifth African airline to join TrueNoord’s customer base on the continent, increasing the lessor’s fleet across the region to 10 aircraft.
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