Angolan start-up airline, Air Connection Express, previously Angola Expresso, has signed an agreement to purchase six Q400 turboprops from Bombardier.

African Aero Trading is buying the aircraft on behalf of a consortium that will form Air Connection Express. The consortium is a public-private partnership. According to the terms of the sales agreement, Bombardier will train 25 cabin crew, 55 pilots, 40 mechanics and will ensure the presence of a field representative for 36 months, to assist in the launch of the new airline.

The airline will operate domestically in Angola as well as assist in alleviating pressure on some popular regional routes. Air Connection Express is hoping to bring down the overall cost of travel in the country. It will also act as a feeder to TAAG Angola Airlines, Angola’s national carrier, for international flights and vice versa.

Angola’s Transport Minister, Augusto da Silva Tomás, said during the signing ceremony in Luanda that he was aiming to have the new carrier operational by 2019.