Bestfly takes ATR72-600 from CFIA, targets up to five Embraer E190s with lessor
BestFly is continuing with the plan to increase the density of its fleet. The Angolan private company has reached an agreement with the leasing company ACIA Aero Leasing ("ACIA") for the lease of an Embraer 190 and an AT2-600.
The announcement was made on Saturday 13 November at a symposium organised by the aircraft manufacturer Embraer on the eve of the opening of the Dubai Air Show. Bestfly already operates two other ATR72-600s leased by ACIA. The carrier has also agreed to further expand its E-190 lease portfolio from 2022.
"This is a very important moment as we add our first commercial crossover aircraft (E190) to our fleet to expand our operational growth [...] The Embraer's capabilities will allow for longer flights and new routes. This is not just a lessor-lessee relationship, but a journey we are undertaking with ACIA. Therefore, we are also pleased to announce that Bestfly has committed to ACIA for up to four more E-190s as we look to further growth in Africa," commented Nuno Pereira, CEO of Bestfly.
As well as being the first E-190 for Bestfly, it is also the first crossover aircraft in ACIA's commercial portfolio - which currently manages more than 50 regional passenger and cargo aircraft leased to operators in more than 18 countries worldwide.
"Over the past five years, Bestfly has continued to develop into a best-in-class operator for the African market. They have been excellent customers and we are very pleased to continue to support them with the addition of these two aircraft, including the introduction of their first crossover jet, the E-190," said Mick Mooney, managing director of ACIA Aero Leasing. "This is the beginning of the second phase of our portfolio growth with Bestfly, and we look forward to adding more regional jets and turboprops through 2022 and beyond."
