African charter service provider Air Bonanza Express is offering a Mi-26T heavy transport helicopter for humanitarian cargo operations.
The cargo company told Air Cargo News that the helicopter will be based in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and used largely for humanitarian operations in hard-to-reach locations, but also a range of other sectors.
"To optimise utilisation, the helicopter will also be available to serve any humanitarian organisation, government, oil & gas industry, mining corporations and freight forwarding companies within African continent,” said Air Bonanza Express chief executive Boniface Kimani.
"This type of helicopter is a unique opportunity to our continent due to its massive capabilities, making it possible to deliver 20 tons of heavy and oversized cargo to areas where others cannot reach.
"In addition, we will be able to transport up to 90 passengers or aid workers at once, transport tractors, vehicles, containers, huge power generators and many more. We will also be open for government projects and contracts across Africa.”
The Russian-built helicopter is the largest serial production in the world. The Mi-26T cargo variant offers a large payload capacity and rear loading doors.
Last year, the Nairobi-based charter service provider took delivery of a leased IL-76 freighter and launched a consolidation service in addition to its charter operation.
The IL-76TD is used for oversized consolidation cargo from Dubai and Sharjah to various African countries.
The company told Air Cargo News at the time that offering a consolidation service would help companies that find chartering a full aircraft too expensive.
