AFG Aviation Ireland Limited, a global leader in aircraft leasing and asset management, has finalized the lease of two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets to Cally Air, the Cross River State backed airline in Nigeria.
The aircraft, bearing Manufacturer Serial Numbers 19004 and 19009, were recently purchased by AFG from Regional One and placed with Cally Air under a finance lease arrangement.
This comes just weeks after the Cross River State government, owners of Cally Air, announced the acquisition of the jets before handing them over to ValueJet in a management partnership. Under the sublease, ValueJet will operate and manage the aircraft using its Air Operator Certificate.
AFG Aviation’s Founder and CEO, Christian Nuehlen, described the deal as a milestone for both AFG’s expansion in Africa and Cally Air’s fleet growth.
“These modern, fuel-efficient regional jets are critical to strengthening Cally Air’s domestic network and unlocking new regional routes across West Africa. The agreement highlights AFG’s strength in bridging global capital with local ambition,” he said.
Christian Hatje, AFG’s Senior Vice President of Commercial, added that the partnership underlines the company’s confidence in Africa’s aviation potential.
AFG emphasized that the lease supports Cally Air’s ambition to become a leading regional carrier while contributing to broader goals of economic growth, trade, and tourism in West Africa.
With a track record of efficient deliveries and complex transaction management, the company reaffirmed its role as a trusted partner for airlines and investors in high-growth markets.
