Air Connection Express, a consortium of Angolan airlines, airport oversight and operations entities,has placed an order for six Bombardier Q400 turboprops, valued at $198 million at list prices.
According to Alcinda Pereira, Air Connection Express founding committee representative, the new aircraft will be used to operate domestic services within Angola under the Air Connection Express brand, while the airline’s services will also be used as a regional feeder carrier to TAAG Angolan Airlines.
“The Q400 will be instrumental in driving economic growth in Angola,” Air Connection Express founding committee representative Alcinda Pereira said. “Selecting the leading turboprop in Africa will enable us to better serve communities across the country with modern passenger comfort and improved connectivity.”
“The Q400 has proven to be a key contributor to the growth of the [air travel] network in the region, enhancing connectivity on routes that are not economically viable for larger aircraft,” Bombardier Commercial Aircraft VP-sales, Middle East and Africa, Jean-Paul Boutibou said, noting that more than 37 operators currently fly Q series aircraft in Africa.
In addition to TAAG, members of the consortium include Angolan carriers Airjet, Air 26, Diexim, SJL and Air Guicango, as well as air taxi operator Mavewa, airport ground handling/maintenance provider Bestfly and Angolan national airport management company ENANA (National Enterprise for the Operations of Airports and Air Traffic Control).