Photo caption: Green Africa aircraft
Barely 24 hours after Green Africa was grounded following the retrieval of all its three aircraft by its lessor, ACIA Aero Leasing, the airline, in collaboration with Access Bank, has procured an aircraft.
The airline made this known through a statement signed by its media officer, Omolara Kehinde, and made available to our correspondent on Tuesday.
On Monday, the airline experienced disruption after its lessor, a Mauritius-based lessor, suddenly grounded its three aircraft over an alleged breach of agreement, causing passengers to express anger at airports.
The airline, on its social media handle, announced a temporary suspension of its flight operations due to an “unforeseen issue” with its aircraft lessor.
The PUNCH gathered that Green Africa was operating with three aircraft leased from ACIA Aero Leasing; the company has, however, reclaimed all three following issues between both companies.
The airline did not provide details regarding the issue with its lessor but reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and customer service.
In its latest statement, Green Africa said it has acquired its first aircraft, an ATR 72-500, in partnership with Access Bank.
The airline’s publicist said, “Green Africa, Nigeria’s Lagos-based value airline, has announced the acquisition of its very first owned aircraft. The incoming aircraft, an ATR 72-500 with the manufacturer’s serial number 852 and registration mark 5N-GAB, is expected to enter into service shortly after customary regulatory approvals. Access Bank, one of the largest banks in Nigeria and on the continent, provided a naira debt facility to partly fund the aircraft acquisition.”
The founder and chief executive officer of the airline, Babawande Afolabi, described the development as a significant milestone in the life of the airline.
He said: “We are pleased to acquire our very first aircraft, another significant milestone for Green Africa. This incoming aircraft will be pivotal as we thoughtfully navigate the next phase of our journey to bring safe, affordable, and reliable air travel to a broader group of customers in the region.”
Also, the managing director and CEO of Access Bank, Roosevelt Ogbonna, stated that the bank was impressed with the activities of the airline, adding that Green Africa has the potential to redefine the aviation industries and act as a major catalyst for positive impact in its local market and on the continent at large.
She said, “As one of the largest and leading financial institutions on the continent, we at Access Bank take special pride in supporting young businesses that have the potential to redefine their industries and act as major catalysts for positive impact in their local market and on the continent at large. We are impressed with the Green Africa story and excited about the brand’s future trajectory.
“We are delighted to support the acquisition of Green Africa’s very first owned aircraft.”
Green Africa was launched against the backdrop of COVID-19 and entered revenue service in 2021. It has since established a strong presence in the domestic market as one of the most affordable and punctual airlines in the industry.”
However, mail sent to the leasing company was yet to be responded to at the time this report was filed.
