FlyGabon delays debut to mid-3Q24

Gabon's new national carrier FlyGabon is now set to launch its first commercial flight on August 31 as it starts with domestic routes, according to an official news release. The launch had initially been slated for August 5. The brand will be operated by Afrijet Business Service (J7, Libreville Leon M'Ba), after the Gabonese government acquired a majority shareholding in the private carrier through a new holding company, FlyGabon Holding, earlier this year. While Afrijet will continue to serve regional destinations under its own name, FlyGabon will initially focus on domestic routes, including the destinations Libreville Leon M'Ba, Franceville/Mvengue, Port Gentil, and Oyem. It will use two 72-seater ATR72-600s purchased by the Gabonese government. TR-LJT (msn 1656) already operates ad hoc domestic flights under Afrijet flight numbers. The second ATR72, TR-LJU (msn 1260), has been parked in Libreville since it arrived from Toulouse Francazal on July 16, ADS-B data confirms. It is to be integrated into the fleet by the end of September, the statement read. By the end of 2024, FlyGabon aims to launch its first international route to Johannesburg O.R. <br/>