Keyamo leads delegation to Boeing for strategic discussions

• Published On: 27 August 2024 at 12:01

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is leading a delegation of top executives from Nigeria's major airlines to the United States for a week of strategic discussions with Boeing.

The discussions, which focus on the introduction of new and used Boeing aircraft into the Nigerian market, demonstrate the American aerospace giant's commitment to strengthening its relationship with Nigerian airline operators.

Obafemi Bajomo, Special Adviser to the Aviation Minister, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday, according to Nairametrics.

The visit, initiated at Boeing's invitation, focusses on efforts to improve operational efficiency, safety, and business practices in Nigeria's aviation sector.

According to Bajomo, the collaboration will provide Nigerian airlines with access to Boeing's technical expertise, specialised training, and opportunities to purchase new and used aircraft.

"In a significant development for Nigeria's aviation sector, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has arrived in Charleston, South Carolina, along with CEOs of major Nigerian airline companies, to begin a week-long engagement with Boeing.

"This visit, at Boeing's invitation, will also take him to Seattle, Washington.

"This strategic visit is expected to culminate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Working Together Agreement (WTA) between Boeing and Nigeria in the coming days, ushering in a new era of collaboration aimed at improving operational efficiency, safety, and business practices for Nigerian airline operators.

"The anticipated agreement will offer Nigerian airlines access to Boeing's technical resources, training in airline operations, and opportunities to introduce new or used Boeing aircraft into the Nigerian market," according to a statement.

In recent months, Keyamo has been actively working to create opportunities for Nigerian domestic airlines to secure aircraft at more favourable terms, in line with global best practices.

His efforts aim to level the playing field for Nigerian operators by providing them with aircraft leasing and purchasing options that are competitive with those available to airlines in other regions.

According to previous reports, the Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, identified two critical challenges facing Nigeria's aviation sector in previous initiatives.

First, he emphasised the need for insurance from international sources before aircraft can be brought into Nigeria on dry lease terms.

Second, he addressed the Aviation Working Group's stringent conditions, which are co-chaired by industry giants Airbus and Boeing.

This group has called on Nigeria to change its legal framework to prevent local courts from impeding lessors' ability to reclaim their aircraft, which is deemed critical for fostering a more robust and reliable leasing environment in the country.