Market Intelligence: Africa

Kenyan Airline Introduces the First ATR-500 Aircraft in the Country in 2024

Nairobi, Kenya – Kenyan operator Renegade Air, leading turboprop lessor Abelo and world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, celebrated the introduction of the first ever ATR -500 aircraft in Kenya, during a ceremony held on September 25, 2024 at Wilson airport. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the partners’ capabilities to serve the growing demand for efficient and reliable air services in the region. The ATR -500, leased from Abelo, has been converted into a cargo configuration to meet the specific needs of Renegade Air’s operations.

With its proven track record for performance and reliability, capacity to operate in hot and high environments, from unpaved runways, and to access the most remote airfields, this ATR aircraft is set to enhance Renegade Air’s capacity to transport goods swiftly across domestic and regional routes, supporting various industries such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.

The largest market for turboprops in Africa, with over 80 aircraft of the type currently flying, Kenya could accommodate many additional ATR -500 and latest generation -600 series aircraft, from both Wilson Airport and JKIA International Airport, to serve regular domestic and international routes.

Tasneem Kaderbhai, Commercial Manager for Renegade Air Limited, said: “Our new ATR -500 cargo aircraft will be a game-changer in our fleet, bolstering our ability to provide timely and efficient air cargo services to our customers. This strategic addition underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of the market, supported by two ideal partners: Abelo and ATR. This move further solidifies our position as a key player in the air cargo industry in Kenya.”

Mathieu Duquesnoy, Abelo’s Chief Marketing Officer, stated: “We are thrilled to partner with Renegade Air in bringing the first ATR -500 aircraft to Kenya. This collaboration highlights our commitment to providing tailored leasing solutions to airlines seeking to enhance their capabilities. The conversion of this ATR aircraft into a dedicated cargo platform is a testament to its versatility, adaptability across different operational requirements, and long-term value as an asset.”

Michael Chassot, Sales Director EMEA at ATR, added: “Renegade Air’s selection of the ATR -500 marks both the continuation of a successful partnership with Abelo and ATR’s comeback to Kenya – a market ATR has strong ambitions for. ATR aircraft are the ideal candidates to replace ageing fleets, bringing comfort, convenience and affordable connectivity to the Kenyan communities with state-of-the-art, ultra-efficient, low operating cost and versatile aircraft.”

Source: ATR Aircraft
Photo Credit: ATR Aircraft

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Pilot Training Industry Supplier Feature – Aeroplanned in 2024

In this week’s AFM Pilot Training Leadership Interview Series AFM’s Customer Success & Business Development Manager Agata Marszalek speaks with Jen Liddle – Founder and CEO at Aeroplanned – a leading, cloud-based platform that provides flight schools visibility of the future so they can convert complex data into clear, meaningful insights to enable highly effective decision making.

The conversation covers:

  • Background and Company Overview: Jen Liddle trained as a pilot and instructor, founded Aeroplanned to address inefficiencies in flight training management, providing a cloud-based resource planning software that enhances visibility and decision-making for flight schools.
  • Partnerships and Growth: Aeroplanned has recently expanded its collaborations with multiple flight schools globally, CAE, New Zealand International Commercial Pilot Academy (NZICPA), Kilo Charlie Aviation, BAA Training, and various schools in Malaysia and India, highlighting the increasing demand for improved training management solutions.
  • Pilot Demand Insights: Jen discussed the fluctuating demand for pilots across regions, noting a strong demand projected in markets like India while the U.S. shows signs of a slowdown. She emphasized the role of airlines in creating their own training academies to ensure a steady supply of qualified pilots.
  • Trends in Pilot Training: There’s a growing need for data and transparency in pilot training, driven by the expectations of the new generation of pilots. Flight training organizations are shifting from recreational to professional training, increasing the demand for detailed progress tracking.
  • Safety and Efficiency Improvements: Aeroplanned aims to enhance the safety and consistency of pilot training by ensuring students receive well-paced, timely training, which is crucial for maintaining high safety standards and reducing the need for remedial training.

For more information:

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