FLYGABON Receives First ATR 42-600, Becomes Africa’s Youngest Fleet

Gabonese airline also confirms second ATR 42-600 to be delivered late 2026 

Toulouse, 4 August 2025 – Afrijet Business Service, operating as FLYGABON, the leading airline in Central Africa, has taken delivery of its first brand-new ATR 42-600, becoming the operator of the youngest ATR fleet on the continent. This aircraft enables Afrijet Business Service to complete the transition to an all-ATR -600 fleet, replacing its previous-generation ATR 42-500.  

In parallel, the airline has also confirmed its purchase of a second ATR 42-600, scheduled for delivery in 2026. Both aircraft will join FLYGABON’s fleet, which includes five ATR 72-600s.  

With a growing network of 17 regular destinations, Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON is reinforcing its role as a key player in domestic and regional connectivity. From its hub in Libreville, the airline connects four provinces across Gabon – with the aim to connect six by the end of the year – and nearby main regional cities in Cameroon, Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Benin, Sao Tomé & Principe and South Africa.  

The ATR 42 is particularly valued for offering the lowest cost per trip on the market, thanks to its exceptionally low operating costs – making it the ideal aircraft to launch and test new routes with minimal financial risk. Combined with its outstanding performance in demanding conditions, especially warm climates, the ATR 42 provides operators with an unbeatable balance of resilience and efficiency. It also often serves as the entry point to regional aviation, with the ATR 72 offering scalable growth, and the overall family concept providing our operators with the flexibility to adapt and thrive. 

Nyl Moret-Mba, Managing Director of Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON, commented: “The arrival of our first ATR 42-600 marks the latest milestone in our ATR fleet modernisation strategy and our commitment to delivering an elevated and more reliable travel experience to our passengers. Both the aircraft ordered in 2024 and the additional one will fly under the FLYGABON livery – the national flag carrier launched last year to support the Gabonese government’s vision for stronger regional connectivity and inclusive economic development across the country.” 

Alexis Vidal, ATR’s Senior Vice President Commercial added: “Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON’s continued investment in ATR aircraft demonstrates the transformative power of regional connectivity. By linking communities across Gabon and Central Africa, the airline is not just expanding its network, it’s opening doors to new opportunities for people and local economies. With a flexible fleet that combines the ATR 42 and the ATR 72, Afrijet Business Service/FLYGABON is uniquely positioned to match capacity to demand while maintaining the efficiency, reliability, and affordability that are essential in regional aviation. It’s a very smart strategy, that responds to market demands and specificities.”  

Our market forecast anticipates significant opportunities in the African turboprop market as despite strong demand, 40% of key African city pairs lack direct air links and 60% of potential intra-African routes would be best served by 70-seater or smaller aircraft.  

ABOUT AFRIJET BUSINESS SERVICE/FLYGABON 

Afrijet Business Service is a key player in air transport in Central Africa, with an expanding network aimed at enhancing connectivity across the continent. Afrijet Business Service was established in 2004 and is IOSA-certified since 2020. It is recognised across the African aviation industry for its unwavering commitment to safety, reliability, and punctuality. 

FLYGABON is the result of a strategic partnership between Afrijet Business Service shareholders (IATA code: J7) and the Gabonese Republic, which holds a 56% stake in the airline. In 2024, as part of a national effort to regain control over key strategic sectors, the Gabonese government prioritised the development of a national airline to reinforce its sovereignty in air transport. Recognising Afrijet’s operational expertise, safety standards, and regional credibility, the State identified it as the ideal partner. 

From this alliance emerged FLYGABON – a brand combining the strength and financial backing of a government-supported carrier with the operational excellence and aviation know-how of an established airline.  In 2025, FLYGABON is set to serve 17 scheduled destinations with over 200 weekly sectors, reinforcing its ambition to position itself as a key player in Central and West African aviation. 

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