DUBAI—Three African carriers announced orders for new aircraft at Dubai Airshow on Tuesday, demonstrating confidence in the region’s potential for air-traffic growth.
Dar es Salaam-based Air Tanzania announced an order for one Boeing 787-7, one 767-300F and two 737 MAXs. The order, which Boeing said was valued at more than $726 million at list prices, was previously listed on Boeing’s orders and deliveries site as being from an unidentified customer.
Nigerian regional carrier Ibom Air’s firm order with Airbus for 10 A220s was an all-new deal. The aircraft will more than double Ibom’s fleet size, which currently comprises two wet-leased A220s and five CRJ900s. Deliveries will begin in 2023 and will be for growth, Ibom Air CEO Mfon Udom said at the signing ceremony. The state-owned airline wants to expand its network across Africa and is also looking to destinations like Casablanca and Cairo, he said.
The deal is for a mix of A220-100s and -300s, with the smaller -100 making up the bulk of the order, Airbus COO and head of international Christian Sherer said. The contract provides flexibility for Ibom to up-gauge the -100s if expansion plans require more capacity.
French regional turboprop manufacturer ATR, meanwhile, announced a new order from Gabon-based AfriJet for three ATR 72-600s. The carrier currently operates a single ATR 72-600 and a single ATR 42-300.
