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Gabon is advancing high-level negotiations with American aerospace giant Boeing to purchase three wide-body aircraft by 2029, in a move aimed at transforming the country into a leading aviation hub in Central Africa.
The initiative, reported by Gabon 24 on July 7, 2025, is part of a broader national strategy to modernize air infrastructure and expand regional and international connectivity.
While specific aircraft models have not been publicly confirmed, sources indicate that discussions focus on large, long-range Boeing jets, such as the Boeing 777.
Depending on configuration, each aircraft carries a price tag ranging from $200 million to $250 million.
The total investment could therefore reach as much as $750 million (approximately 450 billion CFA francs), excluding additional expenses related to maintenance, crew training, and ground infrastructure upgrades.
The ambitious project signals a significant financial and strategic commitment by Gabon’s government, with far-reaching implications for the country’s economic future.
Officials say the expansion is expected to enhance Gabon’s position in international air logistics, boost its competitiveness in passenger travel, and open new opportunities in tourism and trade.
“This is about much more than airplanes,” said a senior source familiar with the deal.
“It’s about positioning Gabon as a modern, forward-looking gateway between Africa and the rest of the world.”
If completed, the investment would mark one of the largest aviation deals in Gabonese history and could serve as a catalyst for further private and public sector development in the aviation and logistics industries.
The government is also expected to invest in the necessary infrastructure to support long-haul operations, including airport expansion and specialized cargo handling facilities.
As negotiations continue, analysts say the success of the initiative will hinge on Gabon’s ability to manage the complex operational and financial demands of running a modern airline fleet — and on its vision to leverage aviation as a driver of national growth in the years ahead.
