FlyGabon eyeing Johannesburg

New Gabonese carrier FlyGabon has said it intends to begin operations from its Libreville hub on August 31, according to industry publication Aviation Week.

The airline will initially launch flights domestically, but has signaled its desire to to fly international routes before the end of this year, with Johannesburg being a key target.

The Government of Gabon has acquired a majority stake in Afrijet through Fly Gabon Holding, and Afrijet will operate under two brands: FlyGabon for domestic routes and Afrijet for regional flights.

Initially, FlyGabon will operate one ATR 72-600 aircraft with a capacity of 72 passengers. The second aircraft is expected to join the fleet by the end of September.

The airline plans to add the Airbus A320 before the end of the year, and it is expected to be deployed on international routes such as Johannesburg.

Gabon's previous national carrier, Gabon Airlines, operated from 2007 to 2012, and before that Air Gabon was the national airline from 1977 until its bankruptcy in 2006.

Afrijet is represented by APG in the South African market and bookings can be made through GDS under code GP275.

Source: travelnews.co.za