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AFG Aviation Ireland Limited (AFG) is significantly deepening its commitment to the African aviation sector through a bold, continent-wide expansion initiative reflecting both its long-term confidence in the region and the accelerating demand for tailored aviation finance and asset solutions across Africa.
Following a series of successful transactions, among them the placement of two CRJ1000 regional aircraft with Cally Air in Cross River State, Nigeria, AFG has witnessed a surge of interest from airlines, operators, government stakeholders, and aviation authorities spanning the continent. The scale and pace of interest have reaffirmed Africa’s position as one of the most dynamic aviation growth sectors globally, prompting AFG to mobilize senior leadership to meet partners in person across key markets. ?
This momentum has catalyzed the next phase of AFG’s Africa strategy. Spearheading the firm’s continental goals are Christian Hatje, Managing Director Business Aviation and Acting Senior Vice President Commercial at AFG, and Shiekuma Gemade, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Mr. Christian Hatje, SVP Commercial and Managing Director of AFG Aviation Ireland Limited, with Prince Otu, Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria
Together, Hatje and Gemade bring decades of combined experience in aircraft trading, leasing, structured finance, airline commercial strategy, and fleet development. Their mandate extends beyond transactions, focusing on partnerships and solutions aligned with each market’s operational realities.
In response to growing market outreach, Hatje and Gemade will undertake an extensive multi-country journey across Africa in the coming months. Reflecting AFG’s relationship-first philosophy, the team intends to meet directly with partners who have engaged the firm, ensuring each discussion benefits from on-the-ground insight and senior-level attention.
AFG’s approach is distinguished by what leadership describes as its institutional ethos: a holistic aviation platform powered by multidisciplinary expertise. The firm brings together specialists with decades of airline operator and OEM experience, ensuring every discussion commercial, financial, or technical, is grounded in real-world operational insight.
This integrated model enables AFG to support partners across the aviation value chain, including:
“Africa represents one of global aviation’s most compelling growth frontiers,” said Christian Hatje, leading AFG’s Africa expansion. “The scale of engagement we’re seeing reinforces the importance of being physically present, listening, structuring thoughtfully, and building partnerships that endure.”
“The level of engagement we’re seeing is extraordinary. Being present on the ground allows us to structure solutions that reflect each partner’s operational and financial realities. We are bringing the full strength of AFG’s expertise across leasing, advisory, private aviation, and commercial platforms to support sustainable aviation development across the continent,” said Shiekuma Gemade.
With its Africa initiative now fully mobilized, AFG is positioning itself as a long-term strategic partner invested in the continent’s aviation future.
Distributed by African Media Agency (AMA) on behalf of AFG Aviation Ireland Limited.
About AFG Aviation Ireland Limited
AFG Aviation Ireland Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG), a leading global aircraft trading and asset management company. Specializing in innovative, tailored solutions for commercial and business aviation, AFG offers expertise in aircraft acquisition and sales, leasing, financing, ownership and asset management, passenger-to-freighter conversion, and strategic advisory services. Leveraging an extensive international network and a commitment to operational excellence, AFG delivers exceptional value to clients worldwide, making it a preferred partner for airlines and investors seeking growth in both mature and emerging markets.
