Green Africa Airways, an airline based in Lagos, Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding to purchase 50 Airbus A220-300 aircraft.
Should the agreement between Green Africa Airways and Airbus convert into a firm order, it will be the largest order for the aircraft from the African continent.
A word of caution – back in 2018 the carrier announced a commitment to purchase up to 100 B737 Max aircraft. It would seem this order was never firmed up, as Green Africa Airways is not listed as a B737 Max customer on the Boeing website.
Over a year later, the Airlines’ website showed a single holding page stating that the carrier is “coming soon”, adding that “We are busy here at Green Africa Airways building a brand-new value airline for Nigeria and the entire African continent”.
Commenting on the MoU, Airbus chief commercial officer Christian Scherer of Airbus said:
“We are excited about the Green Africa project, its legitimate ambition and its professionalism, evidenced by their most discerning choice for their operating assets.
“The unique characteristics of the A220 will allow the airline to unlock destinations and route pairs that previously would have been considered non-viable. We look forward to our partnership with Green Africa and to accompany their development with the most efficient aircraft in its class.”
As of the end of January Airbus had had 658 orders for the A220, which was previously marketed as the Bombardier C Series until Airbus took a majority stake in the aircraft programme.
Green Africa Airways founder and chief executive Babawande Afolabi says the A220 deal will be the “largest-ever order” on the continent for the type.
He says the Lagos-based airline’s development is a “story of entrepreneurial boldness” and “strategic foresight”.
No delivery date has been given for the aircraft, which have yet to be firmed.
Green Africa has yet to confirm the status of the 737 Max agreement.
