In the framework of the Dubai Airshow 2021, Lessor ACIA Aero Leasing agreed with Angolan Bestfly for the leasing of two aircraft.
Bestfly will have one Embraer E190-E1 and one ATR 72-600 in 2022, joining the other two ATR 72s the company is leasing from ACIA. In addition, they agreed on a commitment for another four E-Jets by 2022.
«Over the past five years, Bestfly has continued to grow into a recognized ‘best in class’ operator for the African market. They have been a valued customer and we are very pleased to continue to support them with the addition of these two aircraft, including the introduction of their first crossover jet, the E-190,» said Mick Mooney, CEO of ACIA Aero Leasing. «This is the beginning of the second phase of growth in our portfolio with Best fly, and we look forward to adding more regional jet and turboprop aircraft through 2022 and beyond».
The E-190 aircraft will provide Bestfly with the capacity it needs to expand its business and support its key commercial markets. By mid-2021, the company now has a base in Cape Verde with one of the ATR 72-600s. This is the first crossover jet in ACIA’s commercial portfolio and the airline’s first E-190.
Nuno Pereira, also commented, «This is a time of great pride as we add our first crossover business jet to our fleet to expand our operational growth. Thank you to ACIA for their continued support and confidence in Bestfly as we add the Embraer’s capabilities to accommodate longer flights with additional passengers and open up new routes. This is not just a lessor-lessee relationship, but a journey we are embarking on together with ACIA. Therefore, we are also pleased to announce that Bestfly is committed to ACIA for up to four more E-190s as we look towards further growth in Africa.»
In September, ACIA added this Embraer 190 to its inventory, where it is configured with 12 seats in business and 88 in economy class. The lessor has a fleet of 60 aircraft consisting of Beechcraft 1900D, ATR 42/72, and Embraer ERJ 145.
ACIA revealed that it has seen an increased interest in E-jets and turboprops among its customers and plans to add 30 additional aircraft to its fleet, which includes DHC 8-400s and Embraer E195-E1s.
Mick Mooney said: «The introduction of the E190 is a kick-start in the evolution of our portfolio, with the aim of incorporating a range of in-demand and select aircraft types that better capture the operational characteristics required by airlines whose needs are continually driven by market conditions».
