Minister, Boeing sign aircraft acquisition agreement for Nigerian carriers

• Aircraft giant to offer technical support, training for operators

To advance Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.

The signing ceremony took place yesterday in Seattle, Washington, USA, in the presence of key Nigerian aviation stakeholders, including executives from major Nigerian airlines, top management team of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and representatives from the Airline Operators of Nigeria.

Pix L-R. Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa

The MoU was signed by the Minister and Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, and marks a significant step forward in enhancing Nigerian airlines’ operational efficiency and safety while positioning them for growth in the global aviation market.

The key highlights of the MoU include the facilitation of aircraft acquisition with Boeing leveraging its extensive network of financiers and lessors to help Nigerian airlines acquire newer generation Boeing aircraft, thus modernizing their fleets.

Others are enhanced technical support which leads Boeing to provide enhanced technical support to assist airlines in the introduction of new or used Boeing aircraft, ensuring smooth integration into existing operations.

In the area of training and development, the agreement includes provisions for comprehensive training in airline operations and business models, aimed at improving the business practices and operational efficiency of Nigerian airlines.

The pact equally focuses on maintenance and engineering support with Boeing granting Nigerian airlines access to its vast repository of maintenance documents, engineering drawings, parts purchasing, and flight operations documents, streamlining maintenance practices and reducing operational downtimes.

Boeing will provide on-site field services representation in Nigeria or nearby locations, offering immediate support to airlines as they navigate operational challenges.

Another area of support is that a leadership-development training program will be implemented to strengthen the leadership pipeline within Nigerian airlines, ensuring sustained growth and excellence just as the aircraft giant will collaborate with Nigerian airlines on in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the board.

On regulatory support, in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Boeing will work closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional regulators to bolster safety oversight within the region.

Boeing’s airports engineering team will provide consultation to open or expand airport capabilities across Nigeria and offer advisory services on the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, Keyamo, emphasized the importance of the MoU in supporting the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He said, “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.”

Yitbarek 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.”

Pix L-R. Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa

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.

Wole Shadare