– The Federal Government has unveiled a New National Carrier- Nigeria Air
– The announcement was made today at the Farnborough International Airshow in London
– Minister of state for Aviation Hadi Sirika who made the announcement said FG will only own 5%
– He added that the FG is negotiation with aircraft makers and will announce more details soon.
– Nigeria’s first National Carrier Nigerian Airways ceased operations in 2003, and was succeeded by Virgin Nigeria, who also ceased operations in 2010.
At the ongoing Farnborough International Airshow in Londo, the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika on Wednesday afternoon unveiled Nigeria’s national carrier, and logo- Nigeria Air.
During the unveiling, the minister said,
“this will be a National Carrier that is 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.”
“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,” he said.
He added that government is in talks with aircraft providers, “We’ve been talking to Airbus and Boeing (and they’re present at this event) regarding the aircraft for and we will be making announcements very soon. We are currently negotiating.”
The country’s former National Carrier Nigeria Airways ceased operations in 2003.
The company Nigeria Airways Limited was founded in 1958 after the dissolution of West African Airways Corporation (WAAC). It held the name WAAC Nigeria until 1971, when it was rebranded to the name it had until it ceased operations in 2003. The Federal Government owned a majority of the airline (51%) until 1961, when it boosted its participation in the company to 100% and made it the country’s flag carrier.
Operations of Nigerian Airways was concentrated at Murtala Muhammed International Airport and served both domestic and international destinations mainly concentrated in West Africa; the network also had points in Europe, North America and Saudi Arabia. The airline was managed by a number of foreign companies, including British Airways, the Dutch company KLM and South African Airways. Nigeria Airways was succeeded by Virgin Nigeria, and the ground facilities were taken over by Arik Air.Virgin withdrew from the business during 2008-2010.
More details on Nigeria Air to follow.
