Gabon’s New Flag-Carrier FlyGabon to Launch Domestic Flights

Gabon is set to see the revival of its national airline sector with the introduction of FlyGabon, the new flag-carrier slated to commence commercial operations at the end of August. This launch marks a significant step in the government’s strategy to rejuvenate the country’s air transport industry.

FlyGabon is a result of the Gabonese government’s acquisition of a majority stake in Afrijet through a new entity named Fly Gabon Holding. Under this arrangement, Afrijet will operate under two distinct brands: FlyGabon for domestic services and Afrijet for regional flights. The new airline is expected to expand its network to include international destinations before the end of the year, with Johannesburg being a key target.

Afrijet CEO Nyl Moret-Mba expressed pride in the creation of FlyGabon, highlighting its role in filling the void left by Air Gabon, which ceased operations several years ago. FlyGabon aims to enhance accessibility across all nine provinces of Gabon, provided that airport infrastructure meets commercial standards. The airline promises affordable pricing to address the high cost of living in the region.

Initially, FlyGabon will operate with an ATR 72-600 aircraft, which has a seating capacity of 72 passengers. A second ATR 72-600 is expected to join the fleet by the end of September, with the airline’s inaugural flight scheduled for August 31. Additionally, the government plans to introduce an Airbus A320 to be used for international routes later in the year.

Gabon’s previous national carrier, Gabon Airlines, operated from 2007 until it ceased operations in 2012, with unsuccessful relaunch attempts in 2015. Prior to Gabon Airlines, Air Gabon was the national carrier from 1977 until it went bankrupt in 2006.

Currently, Afrijet is the largest operator in Gabon, commanding 34.3% of all departure seats within the Central African country, according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. Other international carriers serving Gabon include Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and Turkish Airlines, among a total of 14 airlines operating in the region.