The Nigerian government has unveiled the name and logo of its new national carrier, Nigeria Air.
The new branding was revealed by Sen. Hadi Sirika, Minister of State for Aviation, at Farnborough International Airshow. New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports would add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports. The new airline would have flights on 81 domestic, regional and international routes.
Sirika says: “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.”
“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,” he adds.
He states: “The Nigerian government will not own more than 5 per cent (maximum) of the new national carrier. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.
The minister says 81 routes (domestic, regional and international) has been identified for now, for Nigeria Air, out of more than a thousand considered.
“We’ve been talking to Airbus and Boeing regarding the aircraft for Nigeria Air, and we will be making announcements very soon. We are currently negotiating,” he says.
The Minister also explains the choice of going to Farnborouhg to unveil the national carrier.
Farnborough is one of the biggest Airshows in the world, where decision makers and industry experts gather every two years to do business. The new National Carrier will bring Nigeria closer to the world.
Source: Farnborough Internation Airshow News