Nigeria’s Flybird Expands Fleet with Challenger 604 and GIV-SP

Flybird Aircraft Management Services has added a Challenger 604 and a Gulfstream GIV-SP to its fleet, both registered in Aruba. These aircraft will become part of OrientJets, Flybird’s new venture currently undergoing certification in Aruba.

The 19.3-year-old Challenger 604, registered as P4-ZZK, became operational on December 15, 2024, and was ferried to Abuja from the U.S. via Santa Maria, PT. Previously, the jet operated in Germany, the U.S., and San Marino before joining Flybird’s fleet.

The 27.3-year-old Gulfstream GIV-SP, registered as P4-ORJ, began operations on December 18, 2024, flying from Basel to Abuja. This aircraft was previously part of Gabon’s presidential fleet before being replaced by newer models, including a G550 and EMB-145LR.

Flybird’s current fleet includes three Hawker Beechcraft jets and a G550, with the Challenger 604 and GIV-SP set to bolster its offerings under the OrientJets brand. OrientJets is a joint venture between Flybird and Falcon Aero Canada, the latter managing Nigerian operator Viva Jets, which operates a Challenger 604 and plans to expand its fleet with three additional units in 2025.

This expansion highlights Flybird’s ambition to strengthen its presence in the private aviation sector, with OrientJets poised to deliver premium business jet services once fully certified.

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Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com