LONDON – On February 23, Irish leasing operator ACIA Aero Leasing has announced the delivery of one Embraer ERJ145 aircraft to the Nigerian start-up carrier XeJet Aviation.
The aircraft in question, registered as 5N-BZN joins XeJet’s existing fleet of one Boeing 737-500 and one ATR 72-200 Freighter.
The ERJ145 will begin flights for XeJet during the first week of March and has a configuration of 50 seats in a single-class layout.
XeJet also has plans to convert its single Boeing 737-500 aircraft to have only a business class configuration with the airline aims to become the people of Nigeria’s choice for premium air travel.
XeJet is based out of Lagos, Nigeria which provides air transport services in the areas of passenger, cargo, aircraft maintenance, and aviation training.
The new ERJ145 will help bolster the carrier’s growth strategy in operating charter and non-scheduled services within Nigeria’s underserved domestic markets.
Elze Le Roux, ACIA Aero Leasing’s Senior Vice President of Leasing and Customer Relations says, “We are thrilled to welcome XeJet as a new airline to ACIA’s expanding customer family and look forward to our ongoing collaboration to leverage market opportunities for the airline’s continued growth.”
“XeJet had developed a market niche that will serve them well in executing on the vision to become an airline of choice for the premium air travel segment in the country.”
ACIA Aero Leasing’s Chief Executive Officer, Mick Mooney adds, “We are excited to continue expanding ACIA’s presence in our core focus market of Nigeria, supporting the growth of airline operators like XeJet.”
“We see the Nigerian market offering strong opportunities in the near term and we are well-placed to support the development of domestic and regional airline operators.”
“The ERJ145 remains in high demand and offers proven operational advantages that can advance the airlines’ vital efforts to support economic activity through air travel.”
XeJet’s Chief Executive Officer, Emmanuel Iza also comments, “ACIA is a strong leasing partner that understands Africa and offers a diverse portfolio of aircraft. Our focus as an operator is to be cost-effective and efficient, which is why we chose to work with ACIA.”
“We are very happy with their market knowledge and corresponding flexibility as a new lessor to our operation. The ACIA team has been very supportive of our needs, and we look forward to leasing more aircraft from them in the future.”
