The Federal Government on Wednesday unveiled a new national carrier for Nigeria announcing that the name of the proposed is Nigeria Air.
Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this while unveiling the airline to investors at the ongoing Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom.
Sirika said: “This is an important day for Nigeria. The largest economy in Africa, largest population, GDP of around half a billion dollars, and the only true aviation player in West and Central Africa,” Sirika said.
“Nigeria has unfortunately not been a serious player in Aviation for a long time. We used to be a dominant player, through Nigeria Airways, but sadly not anymore.
“This will be a national carrier that is private sector led and driven. It is a business, not a social service. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it. The investors will have full responsibility for this.
“The Nigerian government will not own more than 5% (maximum) of the new national carrier. The government will not be involved in running it or deciding who runs it.
“New terminals in Lagos and Abuja Airports will add 11 million passenger capacity in each of the two airports.
The minister said the airline will have flights on 81 domestic, regional and international routes, and that the official colour of the airline remains green-white-green.
According to the minister, operations are scheduled to begin in December 2018.