Kenyan passenger flight operator Renegade Air, leading turboprop lessor Abelo, and the world’s number one regional aircraft manufacturer ATR, have celebrated the introduction of the first ever ATR -500 aircraft in Kenya, during a ceremony held at Wilson airport.
The 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, 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.”
In July this year, ATR announced a significant collaboration with Ethiopian MRO, a premier maintenance and training provider under the Ethiopian Airlines Group. This partnership aims to bolster ATR’s presence in Africa and the Middle East, enhancing customer support and market penetration in these key regions.
Renegade Air is a Kenyan airline offering reliable and affordable air travel to various destinations across the country and internationally. With a growing fleet that includes modern CRJ-200, ATR 72-500, Dash 8 -100/200/300, and other versatile aircraft, the operator connects Nairobi, Kisumu, Homabay, Wajir, and more through ACMI and chartered flights. Its commitment to safety, exceptional service and customer satisfaction ensures a seamless experience for business, leisure or humanitarian missions. As part of its environmental responsibility, the airline is actively working to reduce our carbon emissions by incorporating fuel efficient aircraft and adopting sustainable operational practices.
Abelo is an Irish-based regional aircraft leasing platform specialising in turboprop aircraft dedicated to connecting communities and businesses in an economically and environmentally responsible manner. The firm’s core mission is to expedite the transition from older aircraft to the most advanced, low-emission technologies.
Abelo is backed by funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, a global alternative investment firm. This strategic partnership aims to further enable investments in the turboprop sector during a transformative era where the leasing business and ESG considerations are evolving significantly. Abelo is committed to leading the way in the aviation industry by embracing innovation and sustainability to benefit both its clients and the planet.
ATR is the world number one regional aircraft manufacturer with its ATR 42 and 72, the best-selling aircraft in the below 90-seat market segment. The unifying vision of the company is to accelerate sustainable connections for people, communities and businesses, no matter how remote. Flown by some 200 airlines in over 100 countries, ATR aircraft opened 160 new routes in 2023, facilitating the development of territories and enabling access to crucial services like healthcare and education. Thanks to ATR’s focus on continuous innovation and the intrinsic efficiency of the turboprop technology, ATR aircraft are the most advanced, versatile, cost-effective and lowest-emission regional aircraft on the market, emitting 45% less CO2 than similar-size regional jets. In January 2022, ATR flew the first ever commercial aircraft using 100% SAF in both engines. ATR is a joint-venture between Airbus and Leonardo.
Be the first to comment