DIG/ What types of aircraft will Fly Gabon choose to serve international destinations, particularly major African, Western and Asian capitals?
The board of directors of the national airline is seriously considering a long-term collaboration with Airbus and Boeing.
Already to reach South Africa in December 2024, The national airline has announced that it will lease an Airbus A320.
“This is an important question. There is no ideal aircraft, but an aircraft adapted to a network or part of the network. The first question is therefore that of the network. What will be Fly Gabon’s route portfolio?
We are in the study phase and we are carrying out numerous analyses which must integrate elements as varied as passenger volume forecasts over 5 years, operating costs, operational performance of the aircraft considered, safety and certification aspects, delivery times for aircraft and cabins, which currently exceed 24 months, for a new aircraft, even leased… without forgetting the question of financing.
It’s not about shopping but about deciding what the best aircraft is for the company for the next 10 years. It’s a decision that requires perspective.
I can nevertheless tell you that we are working intensively with Airbus and Boeing, for a single-aisle fleet solution, allowing service to the continent but also to Europe and the Middle East.
Modern single-aisle aircraft have a performance that allows them to easily serve airports located 1,500 km from Libreville as well as those located 7,000 km away.
This is a very important asset for the development of African air transport. What is certain is that a company of the size of FlyGabon must focus in the next 5 years on 2 cockpits, 1 ATR cockpit and 1 single-aisle cockpit. We must not spread ourselves too thin with false solutions »said Nyl Moret-Mba in an exclusive interview with the daily L’Union.
As a reminder, on the sidelines of the France-Gabon business forum, The aircraft manufacturer Airbus had proposed to the President of the Transition, Brice-Clotaire Oligui Nguéma, to supply Gabon with the aircraft of the future Gabonese national airline, and provide it with technical support including staff training.
2024-07-30 08:09:22