BAE Systems says the number of its146/Avro RJ family of regional jetliners acquired by airline operators in Africa has increased from 6 to over 20 in 2008, identifying the latest recipients as Air Congo Limited of  Republic of Congo, Air Libya and Air Tourist of Gabon.

Mr. Nigel Benson, Director Sales and Leasing for BAE Systems Asset Management, notes that African airlines are making efforts to manage the global financial crisis by taking to low cost regional jets.

“The recent dramatic expansion of the BAE Systems regional jet fleet into Africa shows that African airlines are exploiting the availability of quality pre-owned aircraft to meet their current and future needs. Used aircraft can enjoy an economic advantage over new aircraft by virtue of their lower capital cost and this is particularly true in markets with lower than average utilisation as is often found in Africa,” explains Mr. Benson.

Air Libya has acquired two BAe 146-300s, the first of which has been delivered and is in use on domestic routes and oil service charters in the country. Air Congo recently acquired three BAe 146-200s that will join five other BAe 146-200s that have also been acquired by the airline. Operations have already started from Pointe Noire, alongside turboprop aircraft on scheduled regional services, BAe reports.

Air Tourist Gabon has equally taken delivery of one BAe 146-200. In southern Africa, SA Airlink is operating four BAe 146-200s and three Avro RJ85s on an intensive domestic and regional international schedule in South Africa while Air Botswana has one BAe 146-100.

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