AFG Aviation Ireland Limited, a global leader in commercial aircraft leasing and asset management, has confirmed the successful lease of two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets to Cally Air, the state-backed carrier of Cross River State, Nigeria.

The aircraft, bearing Manufacturer Serial Numbers 19004 and 19009, were recently acquired by AFG from Regional One and placed with Cally Air under a finance lease agreement.

This came weeks after the Akwa Ibom government, owners of Cally Air, announced the purchase of the two aircraft and handed them over to ValueJet in partnership.

According to a statement, ValueJet stated the understanding allows it to manage and operate the two newly bought Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on behalf of Cally Air.

The agreement, Under the sublease, ValueJet will be responsible for the day-to-day operating functions for the two CRJ1000s under ValueJet’s Air Operator Certificate.

However, while announcing that the aircraft was leased to Cally Air, Founder and CEO of AFG Aviation, Christian Nuehlen, said this marked a strategic milestone in both AFG’s growing presence in the African aviation market and Cally Air’s fleet expansion plans.

The AFG boss added that “These modern, fuel-efficient regional jets are key assets that will help Cally Air strengthen domestic connectivity and open up new regional routes across West Africa.

“This agreement is a testament to AFG’s ability to connect global capital with local ambition.”

Senior Vice President of Commercial at AFG, Christian Hatje, also said, “Our collaboration with Cally Air reflects our long-standing belief in the opportunities this dynamic continent has to offer.”

AFG emphasised that the lease supports Cally Air’s ambition to become a leading regional carrier while also contributing to broader goals of economic development, trade, and tourism in the region.

With a strong track record of structuring complex transactions and delivering aircraft efficiently, AFG said it will continue to be a trusted partner for airlines and investors seeking growth in high-potential markets.