The ATR 72, one of the most successful regional turboprops in history, continues to win orders and dominate the regional air cargo market. This time it was the subject of two contracts, totaling four units between them.
The first is an agreement between the manufacturer (ATR) and GIG Group under which the Nigerian holding company will receive two ATR 72-500s. These units will be the company’s first and will form the basis on which GIG Aviation, the group’s cargo subsidiary, will be launched.
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The ATRs will help address the rapid growth of e-commerce both in Nigeria and the region. They will also strengthen connections between communities in the different regions and sub-regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
Adetoro Fowoshere, CEO of GIG Aviation, noted of this deal that «the acquisition of these two ATR 72-500s demonstrates our commitment to Africa and Nigeria. We are expanding rapidly, especially in the country, and the entry into service of these aircraft will be important in enabling us to continue that expansion.» On the role of these ATRs, she said, «With these aircraft, we will continue to expand our capacity to meet the needs of the community.»
«That GIG Aviation has chosen ATR to expand its network and support Nigeria’s connectivity and growth is delightful,» said Tarek Ben Omrane, ATR’s Business Development Director. «We believe that ATR’s aircraft are best suited to these needs.»
Airstream sells two Hawaiian aircraft
Separately, Airstream International Group closed the sale of two ATR72-212Fs owned by Hawaiian Airlines. Airstream offers aircraft sales, leasing, and financing services and is celebrating its 33rd year in business. In that time, it has completed more than 635 aircraft transactions.
The Hawaiian aircraft sold – serial numbers 423 and 432 – were purchased by Wasaya Airways, based in Canada. This airline, based in Thunder Bay, Ontario, operates short flights with its fleet of 22 aircraft: six Beechcraft 1900s, three Cessna 208s, five Dash 8s, three HS 748s, and three Pilatus PC-12s.
Worldwide, there are about 140 ATR freighter aircraft in operation, representing about one-third of the world’s regional freighter fleet.
