Over the past three years, the number of ATR aircraft in operation across Africa has grown by close to 30%, with more than 120 now active in the region. These aircraft are connecting secondary cities, remote communities and trade hubs that sit outside the scope of traditional jet networks.
ATR’s core advantage lies in operating where others cannot, or will not. Its aircraft are designed for short-haul routes, unpaved or limited runways, and lower passenger volumes. In markets where air travel demand is real but fragmented, this offers operators a commercially viable model without requiring large-scale airport infrastructure. That relevance has become increasingly visible as intra-African airspace liberalisation moves forward under the Single African Air Transport Market and domestic demand continues to grow.
What makes ATR’s expansion in Africa more strategic than opportunistic is its long-term commitment to support operations on the ground. The company has invested in pilot training, technical support, and maintenance capabilities across key markets. This is helping reduce the operational risks for local carriers and making it easier for new entrants to build sustainable route networks with ATR aircraft at the core.
Avation PLC (LON:AVAP) is a commercial passenger aircraft leasing company owning a fleet of aircraft which it leases to airlines across the world. Avation’s future focus are new technology low CO2 emission aircraft.
