FG unveils new National Carrier, Nigeria Air
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said the National Carrier, Nigeria Air, which was unveiled at the Farnborough Airshow today will be “private sector led and driven.”
“It is a business, not a social service. Government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this,” he said.
“The Nigerian Government will not own more than 5% (maximum) of the new National Carrier. Government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.”
The Minister also said 81 routes (domestic, regional and international) have been identified for Nigeria Air for now – out of more than a thousand considered.
“We’ve been talking to Airbus and Boeing (and they’re present at this event) regarding the aircraft for Nigeria Air, and we will be making announcements very soon. We are currently negotiating,” he said.
“We want to use this new private-sector-led airline to make a statement that, ‘Yes, Nigeria can do it!’ and we also want to promote our cultures and traditions. It will also create economic opportunities and jobs.
“New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports will add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports. Lagos currently does 8 million per annum (was built in 1979 for 200,000 passengers annually), while Abuja does 5 million,” he added.
Nigeria Air is scheduled to begin operations in December 2018.
