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Green Africa Airways and ACIA Aero Leasing Clash Over \$5 Million Dispute in London Court Green Africa Airways and ACIA Aero Leasing Clash Over \$5 Million Dispute in London Court

Green Africa Airways, one of Nigeria’s emerging carriers, is currently embroiled in a high-stakes legal battle with ACIA Aero Leasing, a prominent regional aircraft lessor, over a dispute valued at approximately 5 million US dollars. The case, recently transferred to the High Court of Justice of England and Wales, centers on three ATR 72-600 turboprop aircraft that were returned to ACIA earlier this year, in March 2025.

The dispute highlights the complex financial and operational challenges faced by African airlines relying heavily on leased aircraft to sustain their networks. According to court documents reviewed by industry observers, ACIA Aero Leasing claims that Green Africa Airways has outstanding lease payments and maintenance costs related to these three ATR 72-600 aircraft. These claims form the core of the lessor’s demand for compensation.

Green Africa, however, contests the allegations vigorously. The airline argues that certain contractual discounts and maintenance credits have not been properly applied by ACIA, which should reduce the amount owed. Additionally, Green Africa points to the retention of spare parts by the lessor and disputes the calculation of interest charges on the outstanding sums. This pushback reflects the airline’s broader efforts to mitigate financial liabilities amid a challenging operational environment.

Currently, Green Africa Airways operates a single ATR 72-500 aircraft, a shift from its previous fleet that included multiple ATR 72-600s leased from ACIA. The repossession of the three ATR 72-600s earlier this year significantly impacted the airline’s capacity and service offerings, underscoring the critical role that leasing arrangements play in the operational viability of African carriers.

ACIA Aero Leasing, part of the ACIA Aero Capital group, is well-known for its specialization in regional aircraft leasing, particularly ATR turboprops, and has a strong footprint in Africa’s aviation market. The company’s business model includes providing flexible leasing solutions, maintenance support, and aircraft management services tailored to the needs of regional operators. This dispute, therefore, not only involves financial claims but also touches on the operational and contractual complexities inherent in aircraft leasing within emerging markets.

The legal proceedings in London are expected to delve deeply into the contractual terms governing the lease agreements, including maintenance obligations, payment schedules, and dispute resolution mechanisms. Such cases often set important precedents for how leasing disputes are managed in Africa, where regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms can vary widely.

For the African aviation sector, this dispute serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with leasing dependencies, especially for airlines operating on tight margins and facing fluctuating market conditions. Leasing disputes can disrupt operations, damage reputations, and strain relationships with lessors, which are vital partners in fleet expansion and modernization.

Green Africa’s situation also reflects broader challenges in Nigeria’s aviation industry, including high operating costs, currency volatility, and regulatory hurdles, all of which can complicate lease payments and maintenance compliance. The airline’s move to operate a single owned ATR 72-500 aircraft, partly financed through local banking facilities, signals a strategic pivot towards greater asset ownership to reduce reliance on leased equipment.

As the case unfolds, stakeholders across Africa’s aviation and financial sectors will be watching closely. The outcome could influence future leasing negotiations, risk management practices, and the structuring of contracts between African airlines and international lessors. It also underscores the importance of transparent, fair, and enforceable agreements to support sustainable growth in the continent’s aviation market.

Ultimately, the Green Africa versus ACIA Aero Leasing dispute is more than a financial disagreement; it is a reflection of the evolving dynamics in African aviation, where airlines must balance ambitious growth plans with prudent financial management and robust partnerships to thrive in a competitive and often volatile environment.