The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday signed a major memorandum of understanding (MoU) with one of world’s top aircraft manufacturers, Boeing to facilitate the acquisition of modern aircraft by Nigerian carriers.
In his verifiable X handle, the Minister disclosed that the MoU was signed in Seattle, Washington, US and the objectives include leveraging on Boeing’s network of financiers and lessors to better position Nigerian airlines to acquire newer generation Boeing aircraft.
The objectives also include providing the airlines enhanced technical support to help them introduce new or used Boeing aircraft; provide them with training in airline operations and business models to enhance airline business practices.
Other objectives include making available to the airlines Boeing Field Services Representation in Nigeria or close by as on-site support; provide leadership-development training to help airlines enhance their leadership pipeline; collaborate with airlines’ in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering to enhance safety and operational efficiency.
Boeing will also collaborate with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in close partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and regional regulators to enhance safety oversight in the region, as well as provide consultation via Boeing’s Airports Engineering team to open and/or expand airport capabilities and advisory on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) development.
This may be the culmination of the Minister’s tireless effort to help Nigerian carriers acquire modern aircraft through long term leasing or aircraft acquisition funded by international financial institutions at long term, single digit arrangement supported by the Federal Government.
The Minister led a team of senior government officials and top executives of airlines and the MoU was signed by the Minister and Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, thus marking a significant step forward enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of Nigerian airlines while positioning them for growth in the global aviation market.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister emphasized the importance of the MoU in supporting the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This partnership with Boeing represents a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize and enhance the capabilities of Nigerian airlines. The benefits of this MoU will be far-reaching, not only in improving the operational efficiency of our airlines but also in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in Nigeria,” he said.
Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa at Boeing, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to work closely with Nigeria’s aviation stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions that will help Nigerian airlines thrive in the competitive global aviation landscape. This MoU underscores our commitment to supporting the growth and development of aviation in Africa.”
In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Tunde Moshood, the Minister said the strategic MoU is expected to catalyze significant improvements in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and operational standards, further positioning the country as a key player in the global aviation industry.
