Fly Gabon has reached a major milestone in its fleet modernisation programme with the arrival of its first ATR 42-600, as the Central African carrier accelerates growth in domestic and regional markets.
The new turboprop, manufacturer serial number (MSN) 1801 and registered TR-LKA, was delivered by regional aircraft lessor TrueNoord under a long-term operating lease. Built in May, it is the airline’s first ATR 42-600 and replaces an older ATR 42-500 (TR-AGB) now retired from service.
The delivery forms part of a September 2024 firm order that includes options for an additional ATR 42-600, which could join the fleet in 2026. The aircraft was manufactured by ATR, the Franco-Italian regional aircraft maker.
Fly Gabon
TrueNoord Sales Director for Africa, Middle East & CIS, Maarten Grift, welcomed Afrijet Business Service Fly Gabon’s parent as a new customer. “Leasing this latest-technology, fuel-efficient turboprop to Afrijet Business Service is part of our strategy to support the continuous improvement of regional fleets in Africa,” Grift said. The deal makes Fly Gabon the fifth African airline in TrueNoord’s portfolio, taking its African fleet to ten aircraft.
Established as Afrijet in 2004 and rebranded Fly Gabon in 2024 under new state ownership, the airline launched commercial operations on August 31, 2024. Backed by Fly Gabon Holding, a government-owned entity holding 56% of Afrijet, the carrier now serves Port-Gentil, Oyem, and Franceville, among other destinations.
Fly Gabon’s ATR fleet now comprises one ATR 42-600 and six ATR 72-600s, with two currently undergoing maintenance in Morocco. Beyond turboprops, the airline is preparing for international expansion. On July 23, 2025, it introduced its first jet, a 21-year-old Airbus A320-200 wet-leased from South Africa’s Global Aviation Investments. A planned route to Johannesburg would mark its debut beyond Gabonese airspace.