Puma Energy expands aviation fuel presence in Mozambique

Puma Energy Mozambique has completed its purchase of aviation fuel assets from Air BP across seven Mozambique airports, the energy firms announced on January 16.

The Competition Regulation Authority approved the acquisition last week. Puma Energy gains refueling infrastructure and equipment at the Maputo, Beira, Nampula, Tete, Pemba, Quelimane and Vilanculos airports.

In a statement, Seamus Kilgallon, Puma Energy head of aviation, said the deal enables extending services to more airline customers in the country. Earlier supplier investments will help ensure facilities remain among Africa’s best-served.

Twenty-six former Air BP fuel staff have transitioned over in the transfer. All will undergo Puma Energy’s aviation division training on fuel standards and safety procedures.

The purchase aligns with parent company Puma Energy’s downstream growth strategy in higher-potential markets like aviation. Further aviation acquisitions may support increased presence in other key African regions.

Puma Energy provides fuels, lubricants, and other products to both consumer and commercial clients in nearly 50 nations. It has focused investment on modernising African infrastructure as air travel across the continent expands.

The company has positioned itself as an end-to-end fuel solutions provider for African aviation in recent years. Its aviation division pledged support to creating sustainable, ethical and socially responsible air transport ecosystems amid projected passenger spikes.

Besides supply chain upgrades, Puma Aviation runs pilot certification programs to improve regional talent recruitment and retention. Its leadership has pointed to African aviation’s importance for tourism and economic growth against potential headwinds like fossil fuel dependence.

Observers say this Mozambique investment signals bullishness on near-term air travel demand recovery as pandemic impacts wane.