Why it Matters
- Fleet Ownership Builds Stability: Transitioning from leased to owned aircraft reduces LAM’s long-term operational costs and financial exposure, improving cash flow and control over maintenance schedules.
- Supports Sustainable Growth: The acquisition aligns with LAM’s strategy to expand its owned fleet to five aircraft by December 2025, strengthening its foundation for long-term viability.
- Enhances Service Reliability: Owning the Q400 ensures greater scheduling flexibility and reduces the risks associated with lease terminations, improving passenger and cargo service reliability.
- Boosts National Connectivity: The efficient Q400 turboprop supports Mozambique’s domestic and regional air transport network, enhancing connectivity between key cities and neighbouring markets.
LAM – Linhas Aéreas de Moçambique, S.A. has expanded its fleet with the acquisition of a De Havilland Q400 (Dash 8-400) aircraft, manufacturer serial number (MSN) 4438, registration C9-AUV. The aircraft, previously leased from Nordic Aviation Capital and later owned by Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE), was officially purchased by LAM on 12 August 2025, marking a strategic step in the airline’s restructuring and sustainability drive.
The aircraft first joined the LAM fleet on 14 March 2021, when it arrived at Maputo International Airport at 15:55 as part of the airline’s fleet standardisation and expansion programme. The Q400 type, known for its speed, efficiency, and passenger comfort, carries up to 76 passengers in an all-economy configuration.
With a length of 32.6 metres, a wingspan of 28.4 metres, and a height of 8.2 metres, the turboprop combines compact dimensions with impressive performance. It cruises comfortably at 639 km/h with a range of 2,600 kilometres, sufficient for a direct service between Maputo and Pemba. The aircraft’s fuel-efficient capacity, holding 5,425 litres, has made it a practical and economical choice for LAM’s domestic and regional operations.
From Lease to Ownership
The Board of Stakeholders identified aircraft ownership as a critical pathway to achieving operational and financial stability. To this end, the airline has launched a project aimed at securing five aircraft under LAM’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) by December 2025.
Within this framework, the acquisition of MSN 4438 represents a milestone. Originally operated under a five-year dry lease agreement with Nordic Aviation Capital, the aircraft was later transferred to DAE-Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. Following extensive negotiations, LAM finalised the purchase on 12 August 2025, achieving favourable terms for both parties.
Supporting Long-Term Growth
The Q400 has since returned from major maintenance and resumed operations as a LAM-owned asset. Its acquisition is part of the airline’s broader effort to rebuild financial resilience, reduce dependency on leased aircraft, and enhance service reliability. In addition to this, LAM intends to also purchase the other Q400, also part of its past fleet, in a dry leasing regime. For that, negotiations are ongoing with the owners of the aircraft to close the deal.
Furthermore, as part of LAM’s strategy of expanding its owned fleet to better serve the domestic and regional market, additional aircraft will be onboarded during the course of the next six months.
The Board views the ownership of its fleet as a sustainable measure that will not only improve cost management but also strengthen LAM’s capacity to meet the needs of Mozambique’s growing domestic and regional air transport markets, including passenger, cargo, and mail services.
Technical Overview: De Havilland Q400 (MSN 4438)
| Specification | Details |
| Manufacturer | De Havilland Aircraft of Canada |
| Model | Q400 / Dash 8-400 |
| MSN | 4438 |
| Registration | C9-AUV |
| Age | 12.4 years |
| Cockpit Crew | Two |
| Passenger Capacity | 76 (Economy) |
| Length | 32.8 m (107 ft 9 in) |
| Height | 8.4 m (27 ft 5 in) |
| Wingspan | 28.4 m (93 ft 3 in) |
| Maximum Take-off Weight | 30,481 kg (67,200 lb) |
| Engines | 2 × Pratt & Whitney PW150A |
| Power Output | 5,071 hp (3,781 kW) each |
| Cruising Speed | 556–667 km/h (300–360 kn) |
| Range | 2,040 km (1,100 nmi) |
| Ceiling | 8,229 m (27,000 ft) |
| Take-off Distance (MTOW) | 1,425 m |
| Landing Distance (MLW) | 1,289 m |
