Green Africa Airways Strengthens Fleet with Second Owned ATR 72, Backed by Local Bank Loan

Nigeria’s Green Africa Airways has successfully expanded its fleet by acquiring a second ATR 72 aircraft, marking a strategic move to stabilise operations following recent disruptions linked to leasing challenges. This latest addition, an ATR 72-600 with manufacturer’s serial number 1064 and registration 5N-GAC, arrived this week and is expected to enter service soon after receiving the necessary regulatory approvals.

The acquisition is supported by a local bank loan from Access Bank, one of Africa’s leading financial institutions, which has partnered with Green Africa to finance this purchase. This partnership reflects the airline’s deliberate shift away from volatile leasing models that previously caused operational interruptions in early 2025. By owning its aircraft, Green Africa aims to position itself as a more stable and reliable “value” carrier within Nigeria’s competitive aviation market.

This second owned ATR 72 will enhance Green Africa’s capacity on existing domestic routes, enabling the airline to better meet growing passenger demand and improve service consistency. The move also signals confidence in the Nigerian aviation sector’s recovery and growth potential, as airlines seek to build resilient fleets amid evolving market conditions.

For Africa’s travel and aviation stakeholders, Green Africa’s fleet expansion is a positive indicator of increasing local ownership and investment in air transport assets. This trend supports broader goals of sustainability and operational control, which are critical for long-term success in the region’s dynamic aviation environment.

As Green Africa Airways prepares to deploy its second ATR 72, industry observers will be watching closely to see how this asset ownership strategy influences the airline’s performance, route development, and competitive positioning in Nigeria and beyond.