BEVERLY HILLS, May 06, (THEWILL) – Almost three years after the launch of a national carrier by the Federal Government, Minister of Aviation, has insisted that the national carrier project remains on course.
The national carrier, christened the ‘Nigeria Air,’ was unveiled in July 2018 in Farnborough, with expectations that the airline would start operations soon.
Two years and nine months after launch, preparations for the take-off of the national carrier are still ongoing.
Speaking on the delay, so far, Sirika disclosed that the project was still on course while giving an update on the proposed establishment of the national carrier.
In a document released by the Ministry of Aviation, the Minister stated that $250 million is to be raised by private investors to start the airline.
Giving an insight into the Aviation Development Roadmap of the present administration, the government explained that the next phase would be the placement of request for qualification (RFQ) in local and international media.
Explaining further, the Ministry of Aviation, in a document made available to THE WILL on Wednesday, explained that the project development phase had been completed with the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC) and subsequent issuance of compliance certificate by the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC).
On the airport concession, the ministry explained that it was in the same phase with the national carrier.
Also on the Aircraft Leasing Company (ALC), the government said the project was at an advanced stage in the procurement phase.
“A preferred partner has been selected and negotiations will commence soon,” the Minister stated.
The document revealed that the planned establishment of MRO for the purpose of local maintenance of aircraft is in the same stage with the ALC.
Meanwhile, there are six projects listed in the roadmap: The establishment of a national carrier to replace the defunct Nigeria Airways; the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility; the Airport Concession; the Aviation Leasing Company (ALC), the establishment of Aerotropolis.
