► ZAMBIA: See the first pics of Zambezi Airlines' CRJ-200ERs.

Since recommencing operations in mid June 2012, Zambezi Airlines (ZJ) has leased its first of two Canadair CRJ-200ERs from South African Express. Registered as ZS-NMK, the aircraft was previously leased to MGC Airlines of South Africa.

► ZAMBIA: Zambezi Airlines recommences flights as of 17 June.

As of Sunday 17 June 2012, Zambian carrier Zambezi Airlines (ZJ) is set to return to the skies after a 7 month hiatus from service, following various safety issues raised by Zambia's Civil Aviation Authority, that have since been settled.

■ MOROCCO: Bombardier to build plant in Casablanca.

Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier Aerospace, has announced plans to open an assembly plant in an Export Processing Zone (EPZ) in Casablanca, Morocco, pending Moroccan Government approval.

Located near Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport, the Nouaceur MidParc EPZ offers investors a 5 year tax-free honeymoon period, after which the rate rises to 8.75% for the next 20 years.

Last year, Bombardier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Moroccan Government  with the

intention of investing approximately USD$200 million in equipment, buildings and start-up costs over the next eight years though it has only now decided on an actual site.

A nearly-completed Q400 in Montreal (Steelhead)

Scheduled to be implemented in phases starting in 2012, Bombardier Aerospace’s new Moroccan facility will initially include sub-assembly capabilities for simple structures. The new facility is scheduled to start manufacturing in 2013. Details on the type of components to be manufactured will be finalized in the coming months.

By the end of 2020, employment at the Morocco facility is expected to reach 850 skilled and trained workers. Bombardier Aerospace anticipates that there will be no impact on its current workforce level at other sites as a result of this announcement.

Read More Here [Bombardier]

Morocco's economy has seen a minor boom in recent years thanks to free trade deals with international partners, amongst whom there is French car manufacturer Renault who, in February, opened a massive USD$1.5billion plant in a similar EPZ in Tangiers.

► BENIN: Westair Benin to start Libreville, Abidjan, Niamey, Ouagadougou shortly; to acquire various aircraft.

Beninois start-up Westair Benin (WH) is to planning to use a Bombardier CRJ-200 on flights between the capital, Cotonou, and Libreville (Gabon), Niamey (Niger), Abidjan (Cote d'Ivoire) and Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso) with other destinations to be added in future.

Founded in 2002, the airline has maintained a relatively low profile thus far, though it is considering a Boeing 737-300 for use in future operations.

Read More Here [CH Aviation]

► RWANDA: RwandAir orders Q400NG; adds Mwanza from July.

Following on from yesterday's conclusion of the Bombardier Q400NG Roadshow in Kigali, RwandAir has announced its intention to buy a Bombardier Q400NG turboprop, to replace its existing ageing fleet of Bombardier Dash 8s, which presently fly short routes from Kigali to Kamembe, Gisenyi, Bujumbura and onto new destination, Mwanza in Tanzania.

Bombardier Q400 NextGen Africa Tour

 "After a flight demonstration to Kamembe by the Bombardier team yesterday, RwandAir’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), John Mirenge, said that the move is part of the carrier’s expansion plans.“This is a good aircraft with new features and enough seating capacity,” he pointed out.       

The Sales Director for Bombardier Aerospace, Sameer Adam, said the 74 seat capacity aircraft has the ability to operate from shorter runways and deliver the quietest and most vibration free passenger cabin of any propeller driven aircraft.  He explained that the aircraft was designed to meet the requirements for high-density, short-haul services. "

 Read More Here [In2EastAfrica]

Bombardier's aircraft appear to have become a hit with the Rwandan airline, as in March, they decided to replace their two CRJ-200 with two CRJ-900NGs to be delivered in October of this year.

In addition to the new aircraft, it was also announced that RwandAir would start a 3x weekly Kigali - Mwanza, Tanzania service using a Dash-8, with effect from 2 July 2012.

RwandAir: Kigali - Mwanza (from 2 July 2012)

• WB401 KGL1115 – 1315MWZ DH8 136

• WB402 MWZ1345 – 1345KGL DH8 136

Read More Here [Airline Route]

► RWANDA: Bombardier's Q400 roadshow ends in Kigali.

Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier Aerospace has just concluded its tour in Africa showcasing its successful Q400 turboprop aircraft, having started in West Africa, before coming to East and Southern Africa, in hopes of attracting potential customers.