ValueJet, a growing private Nigerian carrier, has entered into a sub-lease and operational services agreement with Cally Air (the Cross River State–owned airline) under which ValueJet will manage and operate two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on behalf of Cally Air.
Under the sub-lease, ValueJet will be responsible for the day-to-day operating functions for the two CRJ1000s.
It is understood that the leases are formally held by ValueJet, which will operate under ValueJet’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC)
The move is intended to accelerate the utilisation of the newly acquired regional jets and to provide immediate passenger capacity.
Managing Director of ValueJet, Capt. Omololu Oladapo Majekodunmi said, “We are pleased to partner with Cally Air and Cross River State to bring the two CRJ1000s into commercial service quickly and safely. This arrangement leverages ValueJet’s regional operations experience to expand reliable connectivity for travellers to and from locations within and outside Nigeria.”
Cally Air is a state-owned airline, with the Cross River State Government as the sole owner. It initially operated in partnership with a domestic airline but has now gone into a sub-lease operational services deal with ValueJet, which provides operational support.
Cally Air currently utilises a fleet of two Boeing 737-300 aircraft and two CRJ 1000 aircraft.
The airline’s main routes include Calabar, Lagos, and Abuja. It is also exploring the possibility of expanding to other destinations within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
In July this year, the Cross River State took delivery of the first two leased CRJ1000ERs, marking the type’s return to active service on the African continent.
