► BURUNDI: Air Burundi gets its first MA-60.

Burundian state carrier, Air Burundi (8Y), has taken delivery of the first of two Chinese Xian MA-60 aircraft both of which will form the foundation for the airline's fleet renewal programme that is being jointly sponsored by the Burundian and Chinese governments.

Air Burundi Xian MA-60 (Kok Chwee Sim)

The MA-60 has proven to be a good seller in Africa with various carriers and air forces in Zimbabwe, Zambia, the DRC, Cameroon, Ghana and Congo having shown interest in the aircraft.

"Mr. Melchior Nahimana, managing director of Air Burundi, also made a speech at the ceremony. He thanked the Chinese government and the Burundi government who have given substantial supports to the introduction of MA60. The delivery of the first MA60 ordered by Air Burundi has been going smoothly. Bujumbura International Airport of Burundi is enthusiastic about the arrival of MA60 on June 28."

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Air Burundi 2004 Timetable (David Zekria)

Established in 1971, Air Burundi had previously operated a Beechcraft 1900 whose servicing proved too dear for the airline, thereby forcing it to suspend operations in 2009. 


In 2011, the airline announced a restructuring process to be carried out under the guidance of an unknown consulting firm, with the ultimate aim being to turn the airline into a profitable, privatized entity capable of holding its own in a regional market that is already seeing stiff competition from the likes of Kenya Airways, Air Uganda, Rwandair, Precision Air, Ethiopian Airlines, fly540 and in the not too distant future, FastJet.