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 ATR - 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 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 Express brand as N33449.

Meanwhile, Khunwana said there was no development yet regarding the airline’s previously reported plans to acquire a long-haul-capable freighter or a second E170 or E190.

According to ch-aviation fleets data, Air Botswana's current fleet comprises two ATR72-600s and one ERJ 170-100LR.