FlyGabon receives first ATR 42-600

Afrijet Business Service, operating as FlyGabon, has taken delivery of its first brand-new ATR 42-600, becoming the operator of the youngest ATR fleet on the continent. This aircraft enables Afrijet Business Service to complete the transition to an all-ATR -600 fleet, replacing its previous-generation ATR 42-500.   In parallel, the airline has also confirmed its purchase of a second ATR 42-600, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Both aircraft will join FlyGabon's fleet, which includes five ATR 72-600s.

From its hub in Libreville, the airline connects four provinces across Gabon - to connect six by the end of the year - and nearby main regional cities in Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Benin, Sao Tome & Principe and South Africa, creating a network of 17 regular destinations.

Nyl Moret-Mba, Managing Director of Afrijet Business Service/FlyGabon, commented: "The arrival of our first ATR 42-600 marks the latest milestone in our ATR fleet modernisation strategy and our commitment to delivering an elevated and more reliable travel experience to our passengers. Both the aircraft ordered in 2024 and the additional one will fly under the FLYGABON livery - the national flag carrier launched last year to support the Gabonese government's vision for stronger regional connectivity and inclusive economic development across the country."

Afrijet Business Service was established in 2004 and has been IOSA-certified since 2020. FlyGabon is the result of a strategic partnership between Afrijet Business Service shareholders (IATA code: J7) and the Gabonese Republic, which holds a 56% stake in the airline. In 2024, as part of a national effort to regain control over key strategic sectors, the Gabonese government prioritized the development of a national airline to reinforce its sovereignty in air transport.

(article source: ATR / editor: Anton van Rijsbergen)