27/06/2022
There is no doubt about the enormous potential the world sees in . But it always feels good when we hear people recognizing our value and the work we’re putting in to build the national carrier in the powerhouse of . 🌍
At the World Government Summit - القمة العالمية للحكومات on 28th March 2022, the renowned Richard Quest discussed the future of with top aviation leaders
- Salvatore Scicchitano, President of ICAO - International Civil Aviation Organization
- Tim Clark, President of Emirates
- Luis Felipe de Oliveira, Director General of ACI ( Council International)
- Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation in Nigeria
The pandemic and Ukraine are among the discussion points, pointing to the tectonic shift required in the way and go about their business. The global community has to find a solution. A paradigm shift is required, but the pressure of globalisation will help to go through this.
All panel members recognise the importance and growth opportunities for in . Richard quest addresses Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation in , and questions the commitment to an open and transparent, privatised aviation industry in . Hadi confirms the potential of , with a population of more than 200 million not only as one of the biggest countries globally with a rising middle class but also at the centre of : "If Africa was a belt, Nigeria would be the buckle."
He confirms the commitment to create a national carrier, without Government intervention but only 5% Government ownership, and not even board membership, denying Richard Quest's teasing "You will not be able to keep your hands off it".
Sir Timothy Clark, president of Emirates in response to the question of whether there is a business case for a national private carrier in Nigeria confirms with a very clear statement:
"Yes! Nigeria is the powerhouse of Africa. There is an enormous compelling business case to do it. We’re all very interested in flying there because it’s a very rich nation in terms of the demand for services and the prices they are willing to pay. Nigerians are seeking to travel all over the world. I can see that they’ll have a very good carrier flying."
This is the moment to bring closer to the world. So let's look at where we are less than three months later:
1. In fact, a tender had been made to invite investment from other , and the selection process is now ongoing.
2. There is a very experienced and committed team working on establishing the operational and commercial setup for the to enable a launch later this year. The ATL (Air Transport License) was received on 6th June by the interim management of Nigeria Air, headed by the interim CEO of the airline, Captain Dapo Olumide, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja. The AOC, Air Operator’s Certificate, is the next step in the process and is expected to be granted by the end of July.
3. The set-up at the Abuja and Lagos is in progress to ensure a seamless customer experience, and the commercial team works on setting up booking capabilities to allow a simple and reliable experience for customers and staff, in line with the latest IATA offer and order management standards. The uniform selection process and hundreds of more activities are happening to move towards a successful start of the airline.
4. Progress updates are given on a weekly basis on social media. Customers are invited to follow us on our journey and let us know what is important to you by taking one minute of their time to answer our questions on our website: nigeriaair.world
Indeed, this is the moment to bring Nigeria closer to the world. Watch the video to listen to the complete conversation.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JTTDzH2A1tM&feature=emb_imp_woyt
(the conversation starts at 3:15:35)
Watch Day 1 of the 2022 live as experts debate the future of governments
