Indications have emerged that the new national carrier, Nigeria Air, will commence operation in October.
This was revealed by Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew in an interview with Bloomberg TV.
The development comes amidst all the controversies surrounding the airline launch by the past administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
ADULAWO NEWS recalls that in May 2023, Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister Hadi Sirika, launched the Air carrier 48 hours before the end of the administration with an aircraft.
However, Tasew, during the interview, said: “The airline will begin operation with two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft.
“We are eager to see the airline start flying and connecting the local market to the international market.
“Ethiopian Airlines will manage the operation. It is a proven model, and the objective is to enable Nigeria to have a flag carrier.
“The prime objective is to enable Nigeria to have an air carrier. Ethiopian Airlines will have a management contract. Effectively, Ethiopian Airlines will manage the airline to be successful.
“We own a 49 percent stake in the airline, the Nigerian government 5 percent together while other institutional investors own the rest.”