Taking off

African airlines around the continent are expanding and upgrading their aircraft.

Air Senegal has signed an MoU for the purchase of eight Airbus A220–300 carriers, estimated to be valued at US$730 million, as reported by African Business Magazine.

Nigeria’s Air Peace, meanwhile, has signed a US$212.6 million deal for three Embraer E195-E2 jets, adding to the 10 already on order. Cairo-based public-private partnership CIAF Leasing has ordered three E190s.

Ghana has committed to three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, and it signed letters of intent for up to six DHC Dash 8–400 carriers. This follows a previous announcement by the West African government of its plans to launch a national carrier in which it will have a 10% stake.

Ethiopian Airlines has also signed a services deal to retrofit its existing fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners with internet connectivity.

All agreements took place at last week’s Dubai Airshow, a biennial event, which, according to the organiser, resulted in US$54.5 billion worth of deals and commitments.