Fresh indications have emerged regarding the commencement of flight operations for Nigeria Air, the country’s new national carrier, slated to take off in October this year.
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The news comes amidst ongoing controversies that followed the airline’s launch, with Ethiopian Airlines’ Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, disclosing the development in an interview with Bloomberg TV.
The new carrier, Nigeria Air, was initially unveiled in 2018 during the Farnborough International Airshow in London. However, in May 2023, former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika launched the airline just 48 hours before the end of his administration, raising eyebrows nationwide.
Addressing the concerns, Mesfin Tasew reassured the public, stating that the airline would begin operations with two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines, a reputable airline in Africa, will be responsible for managing the operation, adopting a proven model to ensure Nigeria’s success in having a flag carrier.
“The prime objective is to enable Nigeria to have an air carrier,” said Tasew. Under the ownership structure, Ethiopian Airlines holds a 49 percent stake, the Nigerian government possesses 5 percent, and the remaining 46 percent is owned by Nigerian private investors, including SAHCO, MRS, and other institutional investors.
Tasew expressed optimism about Nigeria Air’s potential, given the country’s substantial economy and market size. The airline’s launch in October will mark a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s aviation industry, as it aims to connect the local market to international destinations.
As Nigerians await the official take-off of Nigeria Air, all eyes are on the airline’s operations and its potential impact on the nation’s air travel industry.
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