The airline has signed a sub-lease and operational services agreement with Cally Air, the Cross River State–owned carrier.

A statement released on Tuesday in Lagos explained that under the agreement, ValueJet will manage and operate two newly acquired Bombardier CRJ1000 regional jets on behalf of Cally Air.

The Cross River State government recently took delivery of the two CRJ1000ERs, marking the aircraft type’s return to active service in Africa.

Under the sublease, ValueJet will handle all day-to-day operations for the CRJ1000s using its Air Operator Certificate.

According to the statement, the arrangement aims to speed up the deployment of the newly acquired regional jets and immediately boost passenger capacity.

Managing Director of ValueJet, Capt. Omololu Oladapo Majekodunmi, said, “We are pleased to partner with Cally Air and Cross River State to bring the two CRJ1000s into commercial service quickly and safely. This arrangement leverages ValueJet’s regional operations experience to expand reliable connectivity for travellers to and from locations within and outside Nigeria.”

Cally Air, fully owned by the Cross River State Government, initially partnered with domestic carrier Aero Contractors but has now entered a sublease operational services agreement with ValueJet, which will provide operational support.

Cally Air currently operates a fleet comprising two Boeing 737-300s and two CRJ1000 aircraft.

The Valuejet boss added, “The airline’s main routes include Calabar, Lagos, and Abuja. It is also exploring the possibility of expanding to other destinations within Nigeria and neighbouring countries.”