US's ExpressJet acquires first E145 ahead of restart

Air Botswana puts last ATR42-500 up for sale

Air Botswana (BP, Gaborone) is selling its only remaining ATR42-500, A2-ABN (msn 507), according to a tender notice published by the state-owned carrier.

The airline has invited bids on an “as is, where is” basis. The tender is open to all interested domestic and international buyers. The 26-year-old Avions de Transport Régional turboprop is stored at Gaborone and can be viewed on weekdays by bidders after purchasing the tender documents from the airline. Sealed bids must be submitted on or before 1400L (1200Z) on December 8, 2022.

Asked for comment, General Manager Agnes Khunwana said the airline had taken a business decision to sell the aircraft “to try and establish market needs”. The aircraft is the last of five ATR42-500s once operated by the regional Southern African airline.

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced module, the 26-year-old turboprop is equipped with Pratt & Whitney PW127E engines. It was bought by Air Botswana in 2000 from ExpressJet Airlines (Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson), where it flew under the United...

Nigeria's Rano Air nears certification - report

While finalising its certification, Nigerian startup Rano Air has received delivery of another EMB-145LRs to start commercial operations in 2022, according to announcements and videos posted on social media.

Aviation Nigeria reports Rano Air is in the final stages of attaining an Air Operator's Certificate (AOC), but neither the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) nor the nascent carrier were immediately available to confirm.

As reported, Rano Air in January restarted its drive for an Air Transport License (ATL).

According to the ch-aviation fleets advanced, the carrier has secured five EMB-145LRs:

• 5N-BZU (msn 145562) stored in Abuja;
• 5N-BZV (msn 145565) in maintenance at Ben Slimane, Morocco;
• 5N-BZW (msn 145585) in maintenance at Ben Slimane:
• 5N-BZX (msn 145587) stored in Abuja;
• 5N-BZY (msn 145628) in maintenance at Ben Slimane.

Ownership of the aircraft is unknown, but they were formerly operated by ExpressJet Airlines (Atlanta Hartsfield Jackson) under the United Express brand.

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