Nigeria Air ready for launch pending the resolution of a court case

Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew has confirmed that the proposed Nigerian flag carrier, Nigeria Air, is ready for launch pending the resolution of a court case filed by a group of smaller Nigerian airlines opposing the proposed partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and the Nigerian government.

The lawsuit resulted in a temporary order to suspend the establishment of Nigeria Air. The ownership structure of Nigeria Air consists of Ethiopian Airlines with a 49% stake, while Nigerian entrepreneurs and companies hold a 46% stake, and the remaining 5% stake is held by the Nigerian Federal government.

Tasew hinted that one of the objectives behind Nigeria Air is to improve connectivity between Nigeria and Europe, with the new flag carrier flying directly between Nigeria and Europe.