Nairobi-based charter carrier Air Bonanza Express is repositioning its Ilyushin IL-76TD freighter to meet rising demand from Chad and Côte d’Ivoire, as the airline eyes a stronger foothold in West and Central Africa.
The aircraft will now be based in Ndjamena, Chad, and Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, moving from its previous base in Ghana, where it primarily supported United Nations peacekeeping operations in Mali, as well as cargo demand from Kenya and South Sudan.
Air Bonanza Express chief executive Boniface Kimani described the move as “both strategic and demand-driven,” citing ongoing and upcoming project cargo movements in the region.
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“There are a few confirmed projects and several more in the pipeline,” Kimani said. “Alongside steady demand, these opportunities allow us to take calculated risks in moving the aircraft closer to where it is most needed.”
The carrier is collaborating with local cargo agents to consolidate shipments and establish an intra-regional network. Kimani noted that the shortage of oversized-capacity aircraft in West Africa often forces shippers to bear high mobilisation and demobilisation costs, which can exceed the actual airlift expenses.
“We want to be the solution by bringing the aircraft to our customers, rather than having them bear the costs of bringing the aircraft to the cargo,” he said.
In addition to repositioning the IL-76, Air Bonanza Express is in advanced negotiations to lease a Boeing 767-300 freighter, which Kimani said would offer a more fuel-efficient option for medium- to long-haul operations.
The airline also operates a Russian-built Mi-26T heavy transport helicopter — the largest serial-production helicopter in the world — with a payload capacity of up to 20 tonnes and rear loading doors, catering to missions requiring specialised heavy-lift capability.
In Brief :Key details – Air Bonanza Express Relocates IL-76 Freighter to Boost West and Central Africa Operations
- Increased demand:Air Bonanza Express is experiencing a surge in requests for humanitarian airdrops, particularly in South Sudan.
- IL-76 configuration:The company’s IL-76 freighter has been specifically equipped for airdrop operations.
- Capacity:The aircraft can deliver 25-32 tons of relief cargo per flight, with the potential for two flights daily.
- Expert team:Air Bonanza Express has assembled a dedicated team to ensure efficiency and safety in airdrop operations.
- Experience:The company has prior experience in similar humanitarian airdrop programs.
- Strategic relocation:The IL-76 has been relocated to cater to demand in West Africa, specifically Chad and the Ivory Coast.
- Partnerships:Air Bonanza Express is collaborating with local cargo agencies and identifying opportunities for intra-regional cargo consolidation.
