Fifteen years after Nigeria Airways went under, the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to try its hands on establishing another national carrier. A huge step has now being taken towards this as Hadi Sirika, minister of state for aviation, has launched the name and logo of the new national carrier, Nigeria Air.
Sirika unveiled the name and logo at ongoing Farnborough International Airshow in London. He disclosed that the government will not own more than 5% of the airline.
He said: “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. 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.”
The minister concluded by saying that the airline will have flights on 81 domestic, regional and international routes and operations are expected to kickoff at the end of this year.
