The new national carrier, Nigerian Air, will start operations by October this year according to reports from Bloomberg.
Mesfin Tasew, the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, which owns a 49% stake in the airline revealed in an interview with Bloomberg TV, Friday, that the firm is eager to see Nigeria Air start flying local and international routes.
In 2022, Ethiopian Airlines secured Nigeria Air’s operations bid amid controversy over alleged favoritism in the bidding, following complaints from local competitors.
According to Tasew, the airline will begin operations with two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft. He said, “We are eager to see the airline start flying and connecting the local market to the international market”
He also added that Ethiopian Airlines using its proven model, the airline has an objective to enable Nigeria to have a flag carrier.
He said, “The prime objective is to enable Nigeria to have an air carrier. Ethiopian Airlines will have a management contract. Effectively, Ethiopian Airlines will manage the airline to be successful.”
Tasew acknowledged Nigeria’s tough business landscape but remained hopeful due to its large economy and untapped potential.
Unveiled in 2018 in London, Nigeria Air faced controversies as Hadi Sirika launched it just days before Buhari administration’s end.
Questions were raised about who owns the aircraft used for the launch before Sirika confirmed it belongs to Ethiopian Airlines.