Nigeria Air, planning to launch commercial operations by June 2023 with three Boeing 737-800s, is considering COMAC’s C919 for its fleet expansion, according to Nigeria’s Aviation minister Haidi Sirika. The airline plans to add approximately 30 aircraft to its fleet over four years with a capital of $300 million.
“We haven’t looked at the C919. But if it’s as good as the others, then why not. China and Nigeria have a very cordial and friendly relationship with mutual benefits,” Sirika told Reuters at the United Nation’s aviation assembly.
By placing an order of C919 with COMAC, Nigeria will become the first international customer of the Chinese aircraft. COMAC's C919 currently has 815 orders from 28 customers all within China and China Airlines is the only operator to place a full delivery schedule with four C919s joining its fleet by 2023.
Back in 2017, Nigeria was in talks with COMAC for leasing the aircraft to the Nigerian carriers that were ready to base themselves out of Kaduna International Airport.
Meanwhile, Nigeria Air received its Air Operators Certificate (AOC) in June 2022 and is all set for the big launch next year. Recently, the Nigerian Government selected Ethiopian Air as the preferred partner with a 49% stake. Initially, Nigeria Air will operate between the capital Abuja and Lagos and plans to increase its operations to other routes later.