With its challenging environment, remote communities and all manner of airstrips, Africa is a continent where turboprops should shine. There is a long way to go in developing aviation across Africa, but it is heartening to see that in the last week, two airlines, Afrijet and Renegade Air, have put their faith in ATR turboprops.

The first-ever ATR -500 arrives in Kenya

On Wednesday, Kenyan airline Renegade Air, aircraft lessor Abelo and manufacturer ATR celebrated the introduction of the first-ever ATR -500 aircraft in Kenya. The welcoming ceremony was held at Nairobi Wilson Airport (WIL), Renegade Air’s home base and a thriving regional airport just 2.5 miles (4 km) from Nairobi’s central business district.

Renegade Air ATR-500

Photo: ATR

The ATR 72-500, registration 5Y-RNF, has been leased from Abelo, an Irish-based regional aircraft leasing platform specializing in turboprop aircraft. The ATR’s arrival marks a significant advancement in the partner’s capabilities to serve the growing demand for efficient and reliable air services in the region.

The ATR 72-500 has been converted into a cargo configuration that meets the specific needs of Renegade Air’s operations. Those needs include operating in hot and high environments, from unpaved runways and accessing remote airfields, all of which are well within the capability of the ATR turboprop and its missions supporting the e-commerce, pharmaceutical and perishable goods industries.

ATR 72 landing at Luqa Malta International Airport MLA shutterstock_248821390

Photo: InsectWorld | Shutterstock

Renegade Air Commercial manager Tasneem Kaderbhai said the ATR -500 cargo aircraft will be a game-changer in the fleet, bolstering Renegade’s ability to provide timely and efficient air cargo services to its customers, adding:

“This strategic addition underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the market, supported by two ideal partners: Abelo and ATR. This move further solidifies our position as a key player in the air cargo industry in Kenya.”

Afrijet ATR in the livery of FlyGabon

Last week, ATR announced that Gabonese airline Aifrijet had signed a firm order for one ATR 42-600, with an option for one more. When delivered, the new ATR 42-600 will replace a former generation 42-500, bringing increased comfort and performance to the Central African region, where Afrijet is a leading carrier.

ATR believes the turboprop brings many opportunities to Gabon airline Afrijet.

Photo: ATR

The new ATR will join FlyGabon’s fleet of two ATR 72-600s in 2025, and if the option is taken up, the second 42-600 aircraft will arrive in 2026. FlyGabon, launched in August this year, is Gabon’s national flag carrier. It was formed with the mission to enhance regional mobility across the country, boost the national economy and restore services to provincial airports.

The ATR 42-600 has the lowest cost per trip in its category and is an ideal platform for serving remote communities. The turboprop uses 30% less fuel than similar-sized regional jets, and its ability to operate in challenging environments means it has advantages in environmental performance and operational flexibility.

ATR 42-600 in flight

Photo: ATR

Afrijet’s General Manager Nyl Moret-Mba said acquiring the 42-600 represents a significant step forward in FlyGabon’s fleet development, adding that it will replace the airline’s 42-500, currently under maintenance and scheduled to leave the fleet in 2025.

“Equipped with 46 seats and cutting-edge technologies, we firmly believe that we have selected the most suitable aircraft model to address the unique demands of passenger traffic and to align with the airport infrastructure across our provinces.”

Created in 2004, Afrijet became the first airline in the CEMAC (Cameroon, Chad, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea and Central African Republic) zone in 2019 and now employs more than 300 people across the region. Afrijet is 56% owned by Fly Gabon Holding, the financial vehicle of the Gabonese Republic in terms of aviation.

The newly-formed FlyGabon offers affordable flights, keeping communities connected across Gabon, with its two ATR 72-600s, which Afrijet operates. According to Flightradar24, Afrijet operates the following route network:

Afrijet Routes

ATR said its turboprops are the ideal aircraft to replace aging fleets in Africa, bringing comfort, convenience and affordable connectivity with state-of-the-art, ultra-efficient, low-operating-cost and versatile aircraft. ATR aircraft are operated by around 200 airlines in more than 100 countries and opened 160 new routes in 2023.

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