ValueJet Airlines has signed a sublease and operational services agreement with Cally Air, the Cross River State-owned carrier, to manage and operate two Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on the airline’s behalf.
Capt. Omololu Oladapo Majekodunmi, Managing Director, ValueJet, said the arrangement places the day-to-day operation of the aircraft under ValueJet, which will fly them under its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
Majekodunmi explained that the partnership is designed to fast-track the commercial deployment of the newly acquired jets, providing immediate passenger capacity and boosting connectivity within and outside Nigeria.
He 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.”
Cally Air, wholly owned by the Cross River State Government, currently operates two Boeing 737-300s and two CRJ1000s. Its core routes include Calabar, Lagos, and Abuja, with plans to expand to other Nigerian cities and neighbouring countries.
The deal follows Cross River State’s acquisition of two leased CRJ1000ERs in July, marking the aircraft type’s return to active service on the African continent.
