Nigeria and Uganda airlines

West Africa was brought into prominence at Farnborough with the introduction of Nigeria Air and the relaunch of Uganda Airlines.

Nigerian minister of state for aviation Senator Hadi Sirika was at the show on Wednesday (18 July) to reveal the branding and livery for a new national flag carrier due to be launched at the end of this year.

Sirika confirmed the Nigerian government would support the launch of the airline with viability gap funding in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, guided by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, that will meet an ICAO operational safety audit from the start and lead to a fast International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership for international operation. No details were given, but both domestic and international routes were planned.

The original Uganda Airlines was liquidated in 2001 following financial difficulties, but in 2017 the Uganda government passed a resolution to revive the carrier confirming an order with Bombardier for four new CRJ900 regional jets. The Entebbe-based airline has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Airbus for two A330-800neo wide-body aircraft.

Uganda Airlines plans to use the wide-body Airbus to build its international long-haul network. The aircraft will have a three-class cabin layout comprising 20 Business Class, 28 Premium Economy and 213 Economy seats.

www.transportation.gov.ng

www.gou.go.ug/topics/transporttelecomunication

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