Start-Ups Green Africa signs MoU for 50 Airbus A220s

On Singapore Air Show 2020, Airbus and Green Africa announced the strategic partnership with the MoU to purchase 50 A220-300s. It is one of the largest orders to be placed for the A220 programme and the largest ever from the African continent, stated Airbus.

At the end of 2018, Green Africa Airways announced to have signed a MoU with U.S.-American aircraft manufacturer Boeing for the purchase of up to 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8. The carrier even signed for purchase rights to order 50 more of the type. Now, the airline has withdrawn this MoU and decided to go with the A220-300 aircraft.

Airbus Chief Commercial Officer Christian Scherer, speaking from the Singapore Airshow, 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.”

Babawande Afolabi, Founder & CEO of Green Africa Airways added: “Together with Airbus, we are incredibly proud to announce the largest order ever for the A220 from the African continent. The Green Africa story is a story of entrepreneurial boldness, strategic foresight and an unwavering commitment to using the power of air travel to create a better future.”

Green Africa Airways is a Nigerian airline with headquarters in Lagos. The carrier was established in 2016 and seeks to firstly serve the domestic destinations in Nigeria. Involved in the Start-Up airline is Tom Horton, previously CEO at American Airlines.

In the last week, Canadian manufacturer Bombardier announced that it has sold its remaining stake in the A220 programme, meaning that the government and Airbus are the only stakeholder of the aircraft programme.

The A220-300 is the larger version of the A220 Family and was built to transport between 100 and 150 passengers. New Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines and more aerodynamical advantages make the aircraft one of the most modern on the market. To date, the A220 has accumulated nearly 660 orders.