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| Green Africa Airways Photo Boeing |
In an almost unbelievable press release, the American aircraft maker Boeing has announced that the Lagos-based Green Africa Airways has made a commitment for up to 100 737 MAX 8 aircraft.
If you've not heard of Green Africa Airways, don't worry, most haven't, it will be a value low-cost airline based in Lagos, Nigeria. The firm aims to offer safe, quality and affordable air travel and be a significant contributor to the economic development of Nigeria and the African continent. The new airline has received its Air Transport License from the Nigerian government and is supported by a group of senior industry figures, including Tom Horton, former Chairman and CEO of American Airlines, William Shaw, Founder and former CEO of VivaColombia and Virasb Vahidi, former CCO of American Airlines.
The commitment is for 50 firm aircraft and 50 options for Boeing's Max 8 version of the popular 737 aircraft. "Today is a historic day for the Nigerian and African aviation industry," said Babawande Afolabi, Founder & CEO, Green Africa Airways. "This landmark deal takes us much closer to our long-held dream of building a world-class airline that will unlock a new realm of positive possibilities for millions of customers. Broadly speaking, this deal is a bold symbol of the dynamism, resilience and soaring entrepreneurial drive of the next generation of Nigerians and Africans."
"Nigeria is uniquely positioned to be the home of the next major value airline. The strategic partnership with Boeing positions Green Africa Airways to expand and improve air travel for customers in Nigeria, and further strengthens the relationship between the United States, Nigeria and Africa," Vahidi said.
"The growth potential for air travel across Nigeria and Africa is extraordinary with the aeroplane fleet expected to more than double over the next 20 years. We are delighted that Green Africa Airways has selected the 737 MAX to serve this expanding market," said Ihssane Mounir, Senior Vice President of Commercial Sales & Marketing.
