The Minister of state for aviation, Hadi Sirika, has unveiled the name and logo of Nigeria’s new national air carrier, Nigeria Air.
Speaking on Wednesday in London at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow, Sirika said the government will not own more than five percent of the airline.
Speaking on Wednesday in London at the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow, Sirika said the government will not own more than five per cent of the airline.
“This is an important day for Nigeria. The largest economy in Africa, largest population, GDP of around half a billion dollars, and the only true aviation player in West and Central Africa,” he said.
“Nigeria has unfortunately not been a serious player in Aviation for a long time. We used to be a dominant player, through Nigeria Airways, but sadly not anymore.
“This will be a national carrier that is private sector led and driven. It is a business, not a social service. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.
“The Nigerian government will not own more than 5% (maximum) of the new national carrier. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.
“New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports will add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports.
According to the minister, the airline will have flights on 81 domestic, regional and international routes.
The government has ordered some aircraft which will arrive the country before the launch of the air carrier.
According to Sirika, Nigeria will receive the first set of five airplanes for the airliner on 19 December and will make profit in three years after operations.
“We will make the investments and follow the business plan through private sector management,” he said weeks ago.
“We intend to get a 30 aircraft market in five years. But we will begin with five aircraft on the day of launch.”
It was not clear whether an order has been made for the aircraft, but the minister in May met a team from Boeing in Abuja.