Web Editor | ConsumerConnect

In boosting the fortune of the Nigerian aviation industry, Green Africa Airways, a startup airline, has ordered 50 A220s jets from Airbus.

This move certain aviation sector stakeholders have described as the largest single aircraft purchase by an African airline.

Earlier it was reported that the deal was close to being finalised.

Green Africa Airways hopes to begin commercial operations in Nigeria soon.

Report says the airline will compete with the likes of Medview and Air Peace Airlines which until now have dominated the Nigerian aviation market in the last few years.

The BBC quoted Babawande Afolabi, the company’s Founder, to have expressed excitement about the fresh deal.

He said: “Together with Airbus, we are incredibly proud to announce the largest order ever for the A220 from the African continent.”

ConsumerConnect learnt that Green Africa Airways, initially, had planned to acquire Boeing’s controversial 737 Max.

The company was said to have announced the impending deal with Boeing in December 2018, months before a second deadly air mishap involving the Max model that resulted in its grounding by the company and other major global aviation stakeholders.

It has long been Afolabi’s long-held dream to build a “world-class airline” that will serve the Nigerian market, helping to “unlock a new realm of positive possibilities for millions of customers.”

Report further indicates that Green Africa Airways received its Air Transport Licence from the Nigerian Government some years ago.

The startup is led by a group of senior industry leaders as Tom Horton, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of American Airlines; William Shaw, Founder and former CEO of VivaColombia, and Virasb Vahidi, former CCO of American Airlines.

The airline’s strategy is to first develop the Nigerian market and then, “build a strong pan-African network.”