Nigeria Air Set to Take Off in October 2023 with Eight Aircraft Fleet
Reports from Bloomberg suggest that Nigeria Air, the proposed new flag carrier of Nigeria, is gearing up for its inaugural flight in October 2023. The airline, backed by Ethiopian Airlines and Nigerian stakeholders, aims to make its debut with a fleet comprising eight aircraft.
According to Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew, the airline’s operations will commence with a mix of two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft. Tasew expressed his enthusiasm for Nigeria Air’s potential to connect both local and international markets, fostering growth and connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines holds a significant 49% stake in the new airline and holds a management contract to oversee its day-to-day operations. The remaining ownership is divided among Nigerian entrepreneurs, companies like MRS, SAHCO, and the Nigerian Sovereign Fund, with the Nigerian Federal government owning a 5% stake in the venture.
The launch of Nigeria Air has faced challenges and resistance from local carriers. Member airlines of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, including Azman Air, Air Peace, Max Air, Topbrass Aviation, and United Nigeria Airlines, filed a lawsuit in November 2022 opposing the partnership between Ethiopian Airlines and the Nigerian government. They argue that the collaboration could potentially expose Nigeria’s domestic airlines to competition from Ethiopian Airlines.
Despite these hurdles, Mesfin Tasew remains optimistic about the outcome of the lawsuit, expressing hope that it will ultimately favor the establishment of the new flag carrier. He stated in April 2023, “We anticipate a favorable resolution in the coming weeks that will pave the way for our line’s establishment. Our aim is to bolster Nigeria’s aviation sector by providing reliable domestic services and viable international options for Nigerian travelers.”
In a significant development, reports in May 2023 indicated that the start-up airline received its first aircraft at Abuja Airport. A video circulating on social media showcased an aircraft adorned in Nigeria Air’s distinctive colors. However, it’s worth noting that the aircraft, believed to be a Boeing 737-800 previously owned by Ethiopian Airlines, has yet to be officially registered under the new carrier’s name in official aviation databases.
The origins of Nigeria Air trace back to its announcement in July 2018 at the Farnborough International Airshow in the United Kingdom. Originally planning to operate a fleet of five aircraft, including both Airbus A330s and Boeing 737s, the airline’s ambitious vision encompassed 81 identified routes. Over the next five years, the plan aimed to expand the fleet to encompass up to 30 aircraft, significantly boosting its operations.
However, due to persistent opposition and legal challenges, the timeline for Nigeria Air’s launch has been repeatedly delayed.