By Victor Shalton
ASKY Airlines Leases 737 MAX Jets, Expands Regional Connectivity
ASKY Airlines, the Pan-African carrier based in Togo, has announced its latest development in expanding its fleet through a lease partnership with AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company. ASKY Airlines, which provides intra-African connectivity, is set to lease two Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft from AerCap. These aircraft will be the first MAX models in ASKY’s fleet, which currently consists of Airbus and Bombardier aircraft.
The lease agreement marks a significant milestone for ASKY Airlines, as it continues to strengthen its presence in the African aviation industry. The two Boeing 737 MAX aircraft are scheduled for delivery between June and August 2023.
The CEO of ASKY Airlines, Esayas W. Hailu, expressed his excitement about introducing the aircraft to the ASKY fleet in a press statement. “I consider it an honor to introduce state-of-the-art B737-8 MAX aircraft into the ASKY fleet, which will support our wide regional network in our continuous endeavor to serve our esteemed customers,” remarked Esayas W. HAILU, the CEO of ASKY. “I am confident that the introduction of B737-8 MAX will further enhance ASKY’s brand image before the eyes of the traveling public. It feels great to be the region’s leading customer to AerCap, the world’s largest owners of commercial aircraft.”
AerCap, known for its extensive aircraft leasing operations worldwide, welcomed ASKY Airlines as a new customer and expressed its pleasure in placing the first MAX aircraft in Togo. Aengus Kelly, the CEO of AerCap, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting the growth and development of African aviation.
“We are delighted to welcome ASKY as a new customer to AerCap and particularly pleased to place the first MAX in Togo,” said Aengus Kelly, the CEO of AerCap. “AerCap is the largest lessor in Africa with 14 airline customers on the continent, and we are pleased to continue to support the growth and development of African aviation. We wish the ASKY team every success and look forward to working with them as these aircraft deliver.”
With 14 airline customers on the continent, AerCap remains the largest lessor in Africa, contributing to the advancement of the aviation industry in the region. The lease agreement ceremony was attended by key figures from ASKY Airlines, AerCap, Ethiopian Airlines Group, and other distinguished guests.
ASKY Airlines, established by a group of banking institutions including the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID), the West African Development Bank (BOAD), and the ECOBANK Group (ETI), aims to foster regional development, tourism, economic growth, and regional integration within Africa.
The collaboration between ASKY Airlines and Ethiopian Airlines extends beyond aircraft leasing, encompassing a strategic partnership that has further bolstered ASKY’s operations.
With a fleet of twelve aircraft, ASKY currently serves 26 destinations across 24 countries in Africa.
Victor Shalton’s love for aviation can be traced to when he was 11-years-old. As a seasoned aviation writer, he takes pride in providing the best aviation coverage around the globe and is passionate about advancing his skills in the aviation space. In addition, he loves travelling, writing, arts and while his speaking engagements have taken him around the world, he is proud to call Nairobi home.
