The launch of Nigeria Air, the flag carrier of Nigeria is on schedule and the airline is expected to commence commercial operations by the end of May 2023, according to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika. Speaking at 2023 National Aviation Stakeholders Forum he confirmed that the government was releasing more funds due to foreign airlines.
The government was actively releasing funds claimed by foreign airlines, which they have been unable to repatriate due to a lack of dollars in the nation. While the minister did not give a set timeline for trapped funds, he confirmed which airlines are currently receiving funds.
Of the total amount, some $216 million will go to IATA airlines and $201 million to Qatar Airways, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
Sirika said: “The government is doing its best to get the monies released and that Emirates Airlines had received the majority of its funds with only around $35 million still to be collected.”
The total amount airlines have failed to repatriate from the country is said to have risen to $743.7 million in January, up from the $662 million remaining at the end of 2022.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Air will open up huge job opportunities for aviation sector in Nigeria. Speaking on the job creation, Sirika said: “Nigeria is the only country where qualified pilots struggle to find work, as countries worldwide struggle with pilot shortages. Over 50 pilots have approached me complaining about their unemployment status, which underscores the point that the national carrier should be able to employ more pilots and create other job opportunities.”
The minister further promised that Nigeria Air will contribute to Nigeria's gross domestic product, grow the hospitality and tourism industries, promote the agricultural sector, and create more jobs.
Nigeria Airways, collapsed twenty years ago, and efforts have been underway for several years to revive it.
The airline was received its air operator's license (AOC) in June 2022, but is stuck in a legal tangle over its deal with Ethiopia Airlines to contribute its operational expertise and fleet to relaunch the new Nigerian carrier.
The agreement calls for the Nigerian government to retain a 5% stake in the new airline, with Ethiopian Airlines taking 49% and Nigerian investors claiming the remaining 46%.