Following the controversy surrounding Nigeria Air, industry operators are increasingly advocating the establishment of flag carriers to strengthen the country’s international aviation presence, writes PRINCESS ETUK
Nigeria Air had been set to begin flight operations in October 2024 amidst ongoing controversies over its viability. The national carrier, which was first unveiled at the Farnborough International Airshow in London in 2018, was officially unveiled by former Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika in May 2023, just 48 hours before the end of his tenure.
However, this sudden launch sparked significant nationwide debate.
According to reports at the time, Nigeria Air was expected to start operations with two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft. Ethiopian Airlines, which held a 49 per cent stake in the airline, was to manage its operations under a management contract, aiming to connect the local Nigerian market with…