FLYGABON receives first ATR 42-600, becomes Africa's youngest fleet

Afrijet Business Service, operating as FLYGABON, the leading airline in Central Africa, has taken delivery of its first brand-new ATR 42-600, becoming the operator of the youngest ATR fleet on the continent. This aircraft enables Afrijet Business Service to complete the transition to an all-ATR -600 fleet, replacing its previous-generation ATR 42-500.  In parallel, the airline has also confirmed its purchase of a second ATR 42-600, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Both aircraft will join FLYGABON’s fleet, which includes five ATR 72-600s.  

Nyl Moret-Mba, Managing Director of Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON, commented: “The arrival of our first ATR 42-600 marks the latest milestone in our ATR fleet modernisation strategy and our commitment to delivering an elevated and more reliable travel experience to our passengers. Both the aircraft ordered in 2024 and the additional one will fly under the FLYGABON livery – the national flag carrier launched last year to support the Gabonese government’s vision for stronger regional connectivity and inclusive economic development across the country.” 

Alexis Vidal, ATR’s Senior Vice President Commercial stated: “Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON’s continued investment in ATR aircraft demonstrates the transformative power of regional connectivity. By linking communities across Gabon and Central Africa, the airline is not just expanding its network, it’s opening doors to new opportunities for people and local economies. With a flexible fleet that combines the ATR 42 and the ATR 72, Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON is uniquely positioned to match capacity to demand while maintaining the efficiency, reliability, and affordability that are essential in regional aviation. It’s a very smart strategy, that responds to market demands and specificities.”  

With a growing network of 17 regular destinations, Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON is reinforcing its role as a key player in domestic and regional connectivity. From its hub in Libreville, the airline connects four provinces across Gabon – with the aim to connect six by the end of the year – and nearby main regional cities in Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Benin, Sao Tomé & Principe and South Africa.  

ATR 42 is particularly valued for offering the lowest cost per trip on the market, thanks to its exceptionally low operating costs – making it the ideal aircraft to launch and test new routes with minimal financial risk. Combined with its outstanding performance in demanding conditions, especially warm climates, the ATR 42 provides operators with an unbeatable balance of resilience and efficiency. It also often serves as the entry point to regional aviation, with the ATR 72 offering scalable growth, and the overall family concept providing our operators with the flexibility to adapt and thrive.

ATR market forecast anticipates significant opportunities in the African turboprop market as despite strong demand, 40% of key African city pairs lack direct air links and 60% of potential intra-African routes would be best served by 70-seater or smaller aircraft.