Nigeria’s aviation sector has secured strategic partnerships and aircraft access deals with Airbus and other aviation institutions in France as part of efforts to operationalise the Federal Government’s newly approved national aircraft leasing company.
The delegation, led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, visited France to deepen collaboration in aircraft acquisition, capacity development, and technical training for the country’s aviation industry.
The team comprised officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including representatives of Isaac Balami University of Aeronautics and Management (IBUAM) and 7Star Global Hangar.
During the visit, the delegation toured Airbus narrow-body and wide-body aircraft assembly plants, as well as helicopter production facilities in Toulouse and Marseille, where the latest aviation technologies were showcased.
Airbus also expressed interest in expanding investments in Nigeria and the broader West African aviation market.
Keyamo further secured collaboration opportunities between Airbus and Nigerian institutions, including student exchange programmes and capacity development initiatives for IBUAM and other aviation training centres.
The discussions also produced an understanding aimed at enabling Nigerian airlines to access new aircraft through a sovereign guarantee framework approved by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that Ibom Air had earlier taken delivery of two aircraft under the initiative, with two additional brand-new aircraft expected soon.
Managing Director of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, commended the Federal Government and Airbus for the collaboration.
IBUAM also held talks with École Nationale de l’Aviation Civile (ENAC), one of Europe’s leading aerospace institutions, on a strategic partnership focused on aviation manpower development.
Founder and Chancellor of IBUAM, Isaac Balami, praised the minister’s efforts at repositioning Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“With people like the Honourable Minister in the saddle, we are sure of a better industry,” Balami said.
The Federal Government recently approved the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines with easier access to modern fleets, a move Keyamo described as a major shift in aircraft financing and acquisition for Nigerian carriers.
At the end of the visit, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mahmud Adamu, commended both the Federal Government and Airbus for fostering partnerships aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry.
