Following a delay in receiving its Air Operator Certificate from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Green Africa Airways had to stall its services. It made its first inaugural flight on 12 August 2021.
Nigeria’s newest airline, Green Africa Airways, has officially commenced flights with its inaugural flight arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja last week Thursday.
Oyindamola Fashogbon, brand marketing specialist for the airline, noted in a statement issued on Friday that the airline took to the skies following receipt of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“The aircraft was given a special welcome to Abuja with a water cannon salute as the aircraft touched down on the ramp,” she enthused.
Operations officially kicked off with an inaugural flight from Lagos to Abuja on an ATR 72-600. Passengers can fly this route as well as to Port Harcourt and Akure for just N16 500 (R590).
“We are on a mission to connect more people in Nigeria and Africa to their dreams and opportunities. It is what kept us going despite the odds over the last several years and it is what will continue to sustain this franchise even after we are all gone,” noted founder and CEO of the airline, Babawande Afolabi.
Long time in the making
Green Africa was founded by Babawande in June 2015 and was due to commence commercial operations in 2019. However, securing operating licenses in addition to aircraft resulted in several delays but the receipt of its AOC from the NCAA on 9 August 2021 means the airline can now fly its three turboprop aircraft across seven destinations in Nigeria.
Green Africa plans to expand its fleet to 15 aircraft by the end of the year. The airline has also reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding to purchase one of the biggest orders ever for the A220 with 50 Airbus A220 jetliners – the first major order from Africa.
You can read more about Green Africa Airways’ story here.
