New Airline in Somaliland starts with a 60 year old DC-9-10
Aerojet, a new airline based in Somaliland, has commenced operations with a Douglas DC-9-10 aircraft, notable for its vintage status, having been manufactured in 1966. cite
Aircraft Details:
Model: Douglas DC-9-10
Registration: 7Q-SAZ
Age: 58 years
Seating Capacity: 80 seats
Originally delivered to Delta Air Lines on October 27, 1966, this aircraft has a storied history, including service with Kenyan carriers Fly540 and Fly-SAX.Prior to its current deployment, the DC-9 underwent comprehensive modernization to meet contemporary safety and comfort standards. The aircraft is owned by the Malawian company Flytech Aviation Group, which obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in June 2024.
Aerojet's Operational Plans:
Founded by a consortium of local entrepreneurs with support from Flytech Aviation, Aerojet aims to enhance air connectivity in the Horn of Africa region. The airline's operational hub is in Hargeisa, Somaliland's capital. Planned destinations include Mogadishu (Somalia), Nairobi (Kenya), and locations in Yemen. Hargeisa Airport currently accommodates airlines such as Ethiopian Airlines, Jubba Airways, Flydubai, Daallo Airlines, and Freedom Airline Express. citeturn0fetch0
Significance of the Aircraft:
According to aviation data provider CH-Aviation, this particular DC-9-10 is the only remaining passenger-configured aircraft of its type in active service. Another DC-9 in passenger operation is a DC-9-30 model, operated by African Express Airways, which is 43 years old, having been delivered in 1981. The DC-9 series, first flown in 1965, was a popular short-haul aircraft, with 976 units produced until the end of its production in 1982.