Meet Green Africa- The Airline Seeking to Ensure That Nigerians Enjoy Affordable Flights

Green Africa Airways Limited is a Nigerian start-up airline based in Lagos. It was founded in 2015 by Babawande Afolabi who serves as the Chief Executive Officer. Green Africa is a low-cost carrier, meaning the company puts high emphasis on lowering operational cost and forgoing some of the added services that airlines provide, and as such lowering the cost of flight tickets.

In 2018, Green Africa made a huge statement across Africa, announcing in a letter their intention to purchase 50 Boeing 737 MAX 8s, with an option for a further 50 aircraft. It was the largest order intention Boeing had ever received from an African airline. The order was valued $11.7 billion, according to list prices at that time. However, this letter of intent was reportedly withdrawn in February 2020 and the airline instead opted to sign a memorandum of understanding for 50 Airbus A220-300s- which would also allegedly be the largest order Airbus has ever received from an African carrier.

In April 2021, Green Africa confirmed the acquisition of two ATR 72-600s, the first two aircrafts to join the fleet. The ATR is a French-Italian aircraft powered by twin Pratt & Whitney Canada turboprop engines. As well as supporting the European Clean Sky initiative, the ATR 72-600 is an upgrade on old ATR vehicles as it features various improvements to increase efficiency, dispatch reliability, lower fuel burn, and operating costs.

Green Africa on Twitter: “Proudly wrapped with progressive green arrows, we present to you the first two Green Africa aircraft.We look forward to welcoming you onboard our ATR 72-600s. #goGreen2021 pic.twitter.com/W6SI7pTGPe / Twitter”
Proudly wrapped with progressive green arrows, we present to you the first two Green Africa aircraft.We look forward to welcoming you onboard our ATR 72-600s. #goGreen2021 pic.twitter.com/W6SI7pTGPe

Green Africa announced it would resume operations in June, to various local destinations including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Akure, Owerri, Ilorin, and Enugu. Tickets are already on sale via the company’s website and flights will commence from June 24. Scouring the Green Africa ticketing platform revealed that Lagos – Abuja flights start from as low as N16,500, as against the current average cost of N23,000 offered by the likes of Air Peace.

Green Africa on Twitter: “Do you know Green Africa is a Value Carrier?Here is what that means:1. We offer lower fares than average airlines2. You can pick and choose your travel extras3. We operate a single class productWatch the video for more details.#CloserToYourDreams #goGreen2021 pic.twitter.com/ftzGnzxspx / Twitter”
Do you know Green Africa is a Value Carrier?Here is what that means:1. We offer lower fares than average airlines2. You can pick and choose your travel extras3. We operate a single class productWatch the video for more details.#CloserToYourDreams #goGreen2021 pic.twitter.com/ftzGnzxspx

From a consumer perspective, Green Africa’s inception into the Nigerian aviation market is a welcome development, as it provides more competition and room for more supply which in turn lowers price. The hope of course, is that in time the airline will expand to all operational local destinations – a feat the company has promised to achieve as they await delivery of more aircraft.