I was interviewed on @tv360nigeria by @dejibadmus about Nigeria Air (watch interview below).
Mr. Bademosi asked and I explained in detail the following topics:
1. Nigeria Air has been ready to take-off since last November 2022 but has been delayed by a lawsuit filed by AON to stop the airline’s takeoff.
2. Nigeria Air - majority owned by Nigerians - will operate under the same laws, regulations and operating requirements like all other airlines in the country. It gets no special privileges.
3. Nigeria Air seeks to collaborate and grow together with all other airlines in Nigeria. It’s not seeking to undermine the business of any airline. The market is underserved and needs many more new airlines - in addition to the existing once - to properly serve millions of Nigerians and enjoy high quality, reliable, affordable air transport. Currently Nigerians pay some of the highest airfares anywhere in the world.
4. The success of Nigeria Air will de-risk the risk of the entire airline business in Nigeria.
5. Once the legal hurdle is resolved, Nigeria Air will be able to take-off in Q4 2023.
6. Nigeria Air’s pre-launch “static display” in May in Abuja was designed to show the public that the airline will launch soon. The B737-800 at the display was provided by Ethiopian Arlines, Nigeria Air’s strategic partner. The cost was fully paid for by Ethiopian Airlines.
It’s important to inform the pubic that using chartered/leased aircraft for static pre-launch display is normal airline industry practice. The recent pre-launch B787 display of Riyadh Air in Saudi Arabia was done in a similar manner.
Personal note: I have been actively engaged with all aviation stakeholders in Nigeria - airline owners, NCAA, pilots, technicians, government officials, etc - for 17 years. I have spoken at numerous aviation conferences in Nigeria and once gave a presentation about the aviation industry to the Senate’s aviation committee in Abuja. Therefore, I am keenly interested to see the aviation sector grow and transform in Nigeria.
@PeterObi Ikpa turn it into politics! Now we are doing politics with everything we see and hear and no one is seeing that it is bad because it is from the king of moron, Peter Obi, yes daddy master.
@Omojuwa Thunder will soon blast close to where you are standing or sitting. Which Messi? The one that couldn't complete one dribble or short on target?
@BashirAhmaad You guys have finally given me reasons to support Argentina now! With my full chest I'm all in for Argentina!!! I don't want to play any religious card with anyone.
@NigeriaStories This one always thinks it is students union president he is campaigning for. So how will that decision improve Nigeria GDP? Sowore the clown who hope to become a president.
@channelstv The funniest thing is that there is no way he will win the election. He would be definitely rig out, if not gullible people will vote him and come crying of bad government.
@Imranmuhdz Just imagine this kind of statement! You want the entire northeast states representatives to come and thank the president as how na? Is he the one that elected or gave them the mandate? Which kind eyes service be that?
@Arewa_Source@omoolowuoduru Why would you come up with this foolish talk? Why are you guys in the north like covering up corrupt people like this? you are a foolish person as it seems now.
@Arewa_Source You are foolish as cows, a federal institution is prosecuting a criminal in a legal court of law which is one of the highest court in the country and up are coming up with one wack argument against it? Why are you people so wicked to this country like this?
@UchechiClinton@NigeriaStories What are you saying? Blood and VDM have been shouting very lord all this while that alot of people are just sent there innocently.