Hadi Sirika, minister of aviation, says Emirates Airlines is
ready to help in the process of establishing a national carrier, Nigeria Air.
James Odaudu, deputy director, press and public affairs,
ministry of aviation, disclosed this on Monday.
According to Odaudu, Tim Clark, president of Emirates
Airlines, made the offer during a panel discussion at the Dubai Expo 2020 to
partner with Nigeria in its quest to establish a national carrier.
Clark said Emirates Airlines would be happy to help if
assistance was requested in starting Nigeria’s national carrier.
He supported Sirika’s position that Nigeria had a compelling
need to establish a national carrier, going by certain indices.
“Of course, Nigeria needs a national airline. There is an
enormous business case for the national carrier. Nigerians are seeking to
travel all over the world. Nigeria is a powerhouse in Africa,” the statement
quoted Clark as saying.
“We are very interested in flying there because it is a rich
nation in terms of demand for services.”
With this assurance, Sirika said the offer by Emirates
Airlines could not be anything other than an endorsement of the need, the zeal,
and the process for the national carrier project.
“Emirates Airlines’ move is also an expression of confidence
of the international aviation community in the commitment by Nigeria to own its
airline,” Sirika said.
“The offer is an encouragement to the many bidders currently
preparing their public-private partnership bids for Nigeria Air in response to
the Request for Proposal advertised by Nigeria.”
Sirika said the process for the acquisition of the Air
Operator’s Certificate and the Air Transport License was well on course for the
expected launch date of the national carrier.
“As has been
repeatedly stated, the whole process for the establishment of the national
carrier and all the projects under the government’s aviation roadmap has been
guided by the principles of transparency and accountability,” the minister
added.
“Boldly speaking, this will remain till the final delivery
of the project.”
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