Renegade Air, in collaboration with turboprop lessor Abelo and ATR celebrated a historic moment with the introduction of Kenya’s first-ever ATR-500 aircraft. The ceremony, held at Wilson Airport, marks a pivotal moment in Renegade Air’s operational capabilities and its commitment to enhancing air cargo services across the region. This ATR-500, leased from Abelo, has been specially converted into a cargo configuration, making it a key asset for Renegade Air’s growing domestic and regional operations.
ATR-500: A Game-Changer for Cargo Operations
Renowned for its performance and reliability, the ATR-500 is uniquely suited to the challenging environments that characterize many parts of Kenya and East Africa. It can operate efficiently in hot, high-altitude areas and navigate unpaved runways, making it ideal for accessing remote airfields. This aircraft will allow Renegade Air to swiftly transport goods, including e-commerce parcels, pharmaceuticals, and perishable items, thus supporting industries that are vital to the region’s economy.
Tasneem Kaderbhai, Commercial Manager at Renegade Air Limited, highlighted the significance of this new addition to their fleet: “Our new ATR-500 cargo aircraft will be a game-changer, 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.”
Kenya: A Thriving Market for Turboprop Aircraft
With over 80 turboprop aircraft currently flying in Kenya, the country represents the largest market for such planes in Africa. The introduction of the ATR-500, along with potential future additions from ATR’s latest -600 series, is expected to further bolster Kenya’s domestic and regional connectivity. These aircraft are well-suited to operate from key airports such as Wilson Airport and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), serving both local and international routes. This positions Kenya as a critical hub for air cargo services across East Africa and beyond.
Partnership with Abelo and ATR: Strengthening Market Presence
The partnership between Renegade Air, Abelo, and ATR demonstrates a shared commitment to delivering tailored leasing solutions and innovative aircraft platforms. Mathieu Duquesnoy, Chief Marketing Officer at Abelo, expressed excitement about the collaboration: “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.”
ATR’s Growing Footprint in Africa
This milestone for Renegade Air is part of a broader strategy by ATR to increase its presence in Africa. In July 2023, ATR announced a significant collaboration with Ethiopian MRO, a premier maintenance and training provider under the Ethiopian Airlines Group. This partnership aims to strengthen ATR’s support services and market penetration across Africa and the Middle East. The collaboration will provide enhanced customer support, maintenance, and training solutions, ensuring that ATR’s growing fleet in the region remains well-supported and sustainable for years to come.
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