Malawi Airlines (3W, Lilongwe) is talking with lessors about the supply of 30-seater aircraft needed to serve thin routes in the Mozambican market. Since its founding in 2013, the carrier has operated a B737-800 and a Dash 8-400, sourced from parent Ethiopian Airlines (ET, Addis Ababa International), on flights between Malawi's two main cities - Lilongwe and Blantyre - as well as to Mozambique, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Zambia, and Tanzania.

CEO Kassim Geresu told the African Aerospace magazine that the first of the aircraft would arrive by June 1 and could also be used to open up additional domestic routes as well as on VIP charter flights.

“We’re looking at 30-plus seaters with lessors – it’s under negotiation,” he said indicating that the preferred type was a Dash 8-200 owing to its comonality with the larger DHC 8-400.

The airline is also looking at other types namely the E145 and the ATR42 - a former mainstay in its predecessor Air Malawi's fleet.

Malawian Ailrines is a joint-venture between Ethiopian Airlines with a 49% stake while the Malawian government and local investors hold the remaining 51% majority stake.