In a context where most airlines are investing in modernizing their fleets with more fuel-efficient aircraft and lower CO₂ emissions, Aerojet United Limited has chosen to acquire a McDonnell Douglas DC-9 nearly 60 years old.
Aerojet, based in Somaliland, a region seeking independence from Somalia, becomes one of the two passenger airlines worldwide to operate a DC-9-10, registered as 5Q-SAZ. At 58.4 years of age, it is also one of the oldest aircraft used for regular flights.
According to the Cirium platform, there are 22 McDonnell Douglas DC-9 aircraft in service globally, most of which fly as freighters for Aeronaves TSM and Ameristar Charters. The only two airlines operating the passenger version are African Express Airways and now, Aerojet.
The DC-9-10, delivered in October 1966, was the 61st unit produced at the Long Beach plant and was originally delivered to Delta Air Lines, where it operated until 1973. It subsequently served with Southern Airways (1973-1974), Alisarba (1974-1981), and then with various companies in private configurations in the United States and South Africa.
More recently, the aircraft flew for Fly 540 and its subsidiary Fly SAX between 2014 and 2018, before being acquired by Aerojet under a leasing agreement with Flytech Aviation Group, based in Malawi. To ensure compliance with current safety regulations, it underwent rigorous maintenance.
The interior of the DC-9 has been completely refurbished, featuring red upholstered seats, configured for 12 passengers in business class and 68 in economy.
Aerojet officially unveiled the DC-9 on December 6 in Hargeisa, the representative capital of Somaliland. The airline plans to use this aircraft to operate flights to Nairobi (Kenya), Mogadishu (Somalia), Juba, Malakal, and Wau (South Sudan); Bosaso, Garowe, and Hargeisa (Somaliland); and Yemen. In addition to the DC-9, Aerojet will also utilize Let-410 and Fokker 50 aircraft.
