en.Wedoany.com Reported - The West African Development Bank (BOAD) has approved a financing package of 50 billion CFA francs (approximately 76 million euros) for Air Côte d'Ivoire to purchase four Airbus A319 aircraft. The decision was made at the 151st ordinary session of the BOAD Board of Directors held in Lomé on June 26, 2026, aiming to strengthen regional air connectivity, support economic integration within the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), and enhance the competitiveness of regional airlines.
As Airbus has ceased production of the A319, shifting to new series such as the A320neo and A220, these aircraft will come from the second-hand market, potentially through leasing structures or secondary market transfers. The delivery timeline or entry into service date has not yet been disclosed by the authorities.
This acquisition is not about introducing a new aircraft type but rather strengthening Air Côte d'Ivoire's existing Airbus narrowbody fleet structure. The A319 already forms part of the airline's medium-range fleet, and this move is based on considerations of fleet continuity, standardization, and operational efficiency. With its hub at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan, the airline plans to increase capacity on busy regional routes, improve the commonality of its Airbus fleet, support network expansion in West Africa and Central Africa, and enhance operational flexibility in short- and medium-haul scheduling.
Air Côte d'Ivoire operates approximately 15 to 18 aircraft, with its fleet strategy built around three segments: the Airbus A319/A320 series for regional and medium-range operations, with the A319 serving as the main narrowbody regional fleet aircraft; turboprop aircraft for domestic and regional routes; and Airbus A330neo aircraft for long-haul intercontinental services. This structure supports the development of Abidjan as a regional hub connecting West Africa, Central Africa, and international destinations.
The 2026 A319 financing is part of a long-term collaboration between BOAD and Air Côte d'Ivoire, structured around three pillars. In terms of long-haul expansion, BOAD previously supported the airline in launching long-range routes from Abidjan by financing the purchase of Airbus A330-900neo aircraft. In aviation infrastructure development, the bank funded maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) facilities in Abidjan to strengthen local technical capabilities, improve fleet availability, and position Abidjan as a regional aviation service center. In regional fleet reinforcement, this round of financing consolidates existing A319-based regional operations, ensuring continuity with West African regional integration goals.
BOAD's interventions reflect a coherent aviation development strategy, combining long-haul capacity development, industrial and maintenance infrastructure support, and the reinforcement and standardization of the regional fleet. This comprehensive approach highlights the gradual transformation of Air Côte d'Ivoire into a multi-hub airline and BOAD's role in shaping the West African aviation ecosystem.
