For many years, Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa, has struggled to have a viable national carrier after the country’s national carrier ceased operations in 2003. Since then, the country has been depending on aviation services provided by foreign airlines.

Recently, the Federal government decided to revive the national carrier; Nigeria Airways, which was once the country’s national pride.

Today, the Federal Government through the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika unveiled the new name and logo of the carrier, NIGERIA AIR at the ongoing Farnborough International Public Airshow in London.

At the unveiling of the carrier’s new name, the Minister said it will not be the government’s business to run the airline.

“This will be a National Carrier that is Private sector-led and drive. It is a business , not a social service. Government will not be involved in running 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” 

The carrier will fly domestic, regional and international routes. For its operations, the Minister also said the Federal Government is still negotiating with aircraft manufacturers to provide the new airline with fleet.

“We’ve been talking to Airbus and Boeing (and they’re present at Thisbe event) regarding the aircraft and we’ll be making announcements soon. We are currently negotiating”

The new airline will launch and commence operations on 19th December 2018. It hopes to bring Nigeria closer to the world.

We are excited about the return of our national pride, are you? We can’t wait for it to commence operations in December as we’ll certainly make it our number one choice.

Source: VanguardNews