Mozambique’s national airline, LAM, announced yesterday the firm purchase of three Boeing B737-700NG aircraft with an option for another three. The deal is worth about US$228 million if the three options are converted into firm orders.

The new aircrafts, no delivery dates could be ascertained at this moment in time, will help LAM to expand their operations and offer additional capacity and destinations from its main hub at Maputo International Airport. LAM presently uses one B737-500 and two Embraer E190 aircraft and this latest order is set to double the number of aircraft on the fleet.

Meanwhile, Marlene Manave has taken charge as the airline’s new CEO, effective February 2014, coming on board as one of the few female airline CEOs in Africa.

LAM is on the EU “Black List” of airlines banned to fly into or across European airspace but is working towards being allowed to return to Europe.