FG negotiates fleeting new national airline, airport concession at Air Show in UK
…As Minister’s delegation unveils name, logo of the airline today at Show
Just as the whole world is waiting today (Wednesday) to see the logo and name of the planned national air carrier, the Minister of State for Aviation, Capt Hadi Sirika on Tuesday continued critical negotiations with leading aircraft manufacturers and investors at the ongoing Farnborough International Air Show in the United Kingdom (UK). He also held business meetings with some industry investors who had shown interest in the four earmarked airports for concessioning.
However, many industry pundits are still skeptical on the manner of business arrangements where takeoff of a company is given ahead of putting the company in real place.
Our correspondent gathered that discussion during the negotiations with Airplane manufacturers will centre on the acquisition of the desired aircraft for the nation.
A source in the ministry disclosed to Business Hilights that there is a stiff fight between Airbus Group and Boeing who are known for far reaching conditions in business.
The ministry source hinted that the ongoing International Air Show is an opportunity to negotiate with airline manufacturers with the view of getting the most competitive and best value-for-money deals for the country.
Before now, Sirika had hinted that the federal government will make serious headway in terms of finalizing plans for the effective take of the fleet on schedule by year end.
He said he would also explore every opportunity available at the air show, an event that brings the biggest and the best in the industry, to attract more prospective investors into the Nigerian aviation environment.
Other Original Equipment Manufacturers’ (OEMs) on the Minister’s programmes at the Air Show include discussions with Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) groups for setting up facility in Nigeria.
Earlier on the minister’s twitter handle, he averred that “Negotiating Aircraft orders with Airbus at Farnborough ahead of National Carrier unveiling on Wednesday.
“Negotiations with Boeing and other OEMs tomorrow.
“Met with Standard Chartered Bank earlier. All is looking good!”
