Air Djibouti, which fell off the radar almost 15 years ago, is making a comeback with the help of Cardiff Aviation co-owner and chairman Bruce Dickinson, the front man for heavy metal band Iron Maiden, and a former airline pilot. Air Djibouti, established by the government of Djibouti, signed a memorandum of understanding in late May with Cardiff Aviation for the latter to implement and manage an air operator’s certificate for Air Djibouti, source its aircraft and provide operational, MRO and management support for the revived African national carrier, according to Arabian Aerospace.
The carrier plans to begin cargo operations late this year, followed by passenger operations in 2016. Djibouti’s government hopes to establish the African country, located between the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, as a regional hub for cargo. Air Djibouti has secured aircraft for its new operations, but what kind has not been specified.
“Djibouti is uniquely placed to provide a hub for investment from Europe, the Middle East and Asia into Africa,” Dickinson said. “Cardiff Aviation will bring a wealth of industry expertise and capability to Air Djibouti in what is one of the most exciting aviation markets in the world, helping the new national carrier to spearhead growth in a region with tremendous potential.”