In order for Nigerian airlines to operate on US and other foreign routes, the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has stated that they must exhibit increased capacity and consistency as well as achieve the required requirements.
Tunde Moshood, the ministry’s spokeswoman, told the PUNCH over the phone that Nigeria was ready to expand its presence in international aviation.
He mentioned that if they proved to be capable and reliable, Nigerian flag carriers Air Peace and Air Contractors might be able to open up routes to the US.
He said,
Recall that Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, declared in May 2024 that measures would be made to lower the cost of international flights and guarantee that local operators would control international routes, beginning with the United States.
He also described the steps being taken to guarantee that, in the not too distant future, local operators will have complete authority over international lines.
He added that his ministry was working to remove these obstacles and create an atmosphere that would support the growth of both domestic and foreign airlines under the President Bola Tinubu administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Our correspondent was informed by United Nigeria Airlines’ Chief Operating Officer, Osita Okonkwo, that the company was moving closer to starting flights to Texas, USA.
He said,
But Tayo Ojuri, Managing Director of Aglow Aviation Support Services, emphasized that Nigerian airlines must connect to and form alliances with international aviation networks like Oneworld or Star Alliance.
He stated,
The Ugandan government is seeking increased business interactions with Nigeria as it assures Uganda Airlines will add Abuja to its routes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed the development on its official X page.
The ministry revealed that the agreement was reached when Ugandan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Nelson Ocheger, met with Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to discuss trade and commerce promotions between the two countries.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
