Equatorial Guinea Eyes ATR Fleet Expansion to Revive Ceiba Intercontinental
Equatorial Guinea's government is in talks to purchase four to five new ATR aircraft as part of a recovery plan for its national carrier, Ceiba Intercontinental. A meeting on 11 March brought together government officials and representatives of European manufacturer ATR to discuss acquisition options, including new aircraft purchases, refurbishment of existing ATR planes, and the return of grounded aircraft to service. The strategy aims to restore domestic routes to Bata, Mongomo, Annobón and Corisco, as well as sub-regional services to Cameroon, Nigeria, Gabon, Togo, Benin and the Republic of Congo.
Ceiba Intercontinental has faced mounting losses in recent years, driven by an ageing fleet, grounded aircraft, governance challenges, and stiff competition from regional carriers including ASKY Airlines, Air Côte d'Ivoire and ECAir. The airline's recovery will hinge on the government's ability to resolve underlying governance issues, secure financing for fleet modernisation, and rebuild confidence among passengers and industry partners - factors that will ultimately determine whether the carrier can reclaim a meaningful role in Central Africa's regional aviation network.
Source: Ecofin Agency