Travel News

By Olasunkanmi Akinlotan

Leading aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, is facilitating the leasing of aircraft to Nigerian airlines in the next 24 months.

The information was shared in an invitation letter addressed to Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. The letter was sent to selected financial institutions in Nigeria, members of the Airlines Operators of Nigeria, as well as aircraft financiers and lessors. It was issued by the Commercial Sales Director of Boeing, Moore Ibekwe and was obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.

The purpose of this meeting is to find a lasting solution to the aircraft shortage in the country.

“On our side, we are coordinating the efforts with lessors to firm up dates and timing for these meetings. We would like to keep the delegation small and focused on Nigerian airlines seriously considering leasing aircraft in the next 24 months. It is important that the airlines we bring to the forefront are prepared so that we can demonstrate real business opportunities to keep the attention of the lessors,” Ibekwe stated.

It will be recalled that the minister had in August visited the head office of the aircraft manufacturer to secure aircraft leasing for Nigerian airlines.

The PUNCH gathered that to earn the support, a list of requirements was read to the minister, which included the signing of the Cape Town Convention and the Irrevocable Deregistration and Export Request Authorisation Advisory Circular for the recordation and cancellation of leased aircraft in the country.

Both documents had been signed by the Federal Government and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority.

In response to this development, Ibekwe said, “I want to thank and commend you for the efforts of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, under your leadership, to improve the lives of Nigerians through an improved aviation industry. Following your visit to our facilities in the United States, the press coverage on Nigerian aviation has been remarkably positive like never before seen, therefore, we need to capitalise on the positive momentum in the spirit of the MoU.

“During your visit, one of the follow-up items was to organise a forum during the Airline Economics whereby we can leverage our relationships with leasing companies’ leadership for you to meet them and update them personally on the strides that the Federal Government of Nigeria is undertaking to improve the aviation industry.

As we all agreed, in the presence of our Senior Vice President of Sales, it would be best if they heard from you firsthand.

 “We have also been working with several banks in Nigeria and Africa Trade Investment Development Insurance to develop a credit enhancement product specifically for Nigeria to facilitate operating leases by providing an additional layer of security to global lessors who may have shown interest in the region.”

The aircraft manufacturer stated it envisaged a forum that would include the ministry, AON representatives, Nigerian banks, lessors/financiers and Boeing to chart a course for a new future for Nigerian aviation.