FLEET - CVsky expands its fleet with a modern ATR 72-600

CVsky / LACV has today taken a decisive step forward in Cape Verde’s domestic aviation sector. The airline has officially taken delivery of the first of two new ATR 72-600s, leased from Avation PLC. The aircraft will now be repainted in LACV’s colours and is due to arrive in Cape Verde by the end of October 2026. This will strengthen the fleet, improve safety and punctuality, and enhance connections between the islands.

· The aircraft is the first of two to be incorporated under a leasing agreement, reinforcing the commitment to territorial cohesion, safety and punctuality in Cape Verde’s domestic aviation sector.

· The delivery forms part of LACV’s strategy to expand and modernise its fleet in order to meet growing demand for transport and support the development of domestic tourism.

· Following today’s formal handover, the aircraft will undergo a 10-working-day period of customisation to feature LACV’s livery, and is expected to arrive in Cape Verde by the end of October 2026.

Cape Verde Airlines (LACV / CVSky), the country’s domestic airline, marks a decisive moment in the history of Cape Verdean civil aviation today with the official handover of the first of two new ATR 72-600s.

This acquisition, which took the form of a lease agreement with Avation PLC, a leading aircraft leasing company listed on the London Stock Exchange, reflects the financial strength, international credibility and institutional rigour underpinning LACV’s consolidation plan for the coming decade.

As the manufacturer pointed out: “ATR has delivered a new ATR 72-600 to CVSky, which operates under the name Linhas Aéreas de Cabo Verde (LACV), the country’s national airline.”

In line with the established operational milestones, the aircraft is now entering a 10-working-day period dedicated to painting and customisation in line with CVsky’s visual identity at the facilities in France. As planned, and once all the formalities have been completed, the aircraft is expected to land in Cape Verde by the end of this month, joining the two existing ATRs to bolster the domestic fleet.

An aerial network to connect people and opportunities

In an island nation such as Cape Verde, air connectivity plays a vital role in territorial cohesion and economic development. Connections between the islands bring families closer together, facilitate business travel and support access to essential services, including education, healthcare and public administration.

CVsky’s domestic operations aim to contribute to a more regular, predictable and accessible air network, enabling passengers to travel between the islands more conveniently. The airline will continue to work towards strengthening connections from the city of Praia and between different parts of the archipelago, including destinations such as São Vicente, São Nicolau, Sal, Boa Vista, Fogo and Maio, in accordance with the approved operational plan.

Greater mobility for inter-island tourism

The expansion of the fleet also paves the way for a more diverse tourist experience in Cape Verde. In addition to the destinations traditionally associated with beach tourism, visitors will be able to take advantage of better opportunities to explore other islands, including the historical and cultural heritage of the islands of Santiago and São Vicente, the volcanic landscapes of Fogo, the natural beauty of São Nicolau and the tranquillity of Maio.

CVSky believes that air connectivity should enable each island to play a more active role in the development of national tourism.

“The expansion of our fleet with these modern ATR 72-600 aircraft reflects the rigour of our management and the realisation of a national strategic objective: to ensure that no island is cut off, providing Cape Verdeans with safe, regular and high-quality transport links. Cape Verde offers a wide variety of experiences, and our role is to bring citizens and visitors closer to their communities”, emphasises Dr Manuel Lima, Chairman of the Board of Directors of LACV / CVSky.

ATR 72-600: State-of-the-art technology suitable for domestic operations

The aircraft will be integrated into CVSky’s operations in full compliance with the applicable safety, maintenance, training and regulatory oversight requirements, under the direct supervision of inspectors from the Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) and specialist technical teams on the ground. The introduction of these new aircraft will enable the airline to assess opportunities to increase capacity and continuously improve connectivity.

CVSky