FlyGabon adds first ATR 42-600 to fleet, becomes youngest ATR operator in Africa
Newly-established carrier FlyGabon has taken delivery of its first brand-new ATR 42-600, becoming the youngest ATR fleet operator in Africa.
The aircraft, owned by the carrier’s operator Afrijet Business Service, enables a complete switch to an all-ATR -600 fleet, replacing older ATR 42-500 models, ATR announced in a statement on August 4, 2025.
According to the Franco-Italian aircraft manufacturer, the aircraft provides the lowest cost per trip available due to low operating costs, making it “the ideal aircraft to launch and test new routes with minimal financial risk.”
“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,” said Nyl Moret-Mba, Managing Director of FlyGabon.
Additionally, the airline has announced the acquisition of a second ATR 42-600, expected to be delivered in 2026. The second aircraft will operate under the FlyGabon livery.
Both aircraft, ordered in 2024, will become part of FlyGabon’s fleet, which currently consists of five ATR 72-600s.
“Smart strategy” for African skies
The manufacturer said its market forecast predicts “significant opportunities in the African turboprop market”.
According to ATR, 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.
“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,” Alexis Vidal, ATR’s Senior Vice President of Commercial, added. “It’s a very smart strategy that responds to market demands and specificities.”
Gabon’s new flag carrier
FlyGabon is a newly established Gabonese airline created in 2024 to assist the Gabonese government’s goal of enhancing regional connectivity and promoting inclusive economic development across the country.
The airline is a product of a strategic alliance between Afrijet Business Service shareholders and the Gabonese Republic, which owns a 56% share in the airline.
The carrier operates from its base in Libreville, linking four provinces across Gabon. FlyGabon said that its goal is to expand this to six provinces by the end of 2025 and connect to major regional cities in Central and West Africa.
By 2025, the airline plans to operate 17 scheduled destinations with more than 200 weekly flights.
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Newly-established carrier FlyGabon has taken delivery of its first brand-new ATR 42-600, becoming the youngest ATR fleet operator in Africa. …
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