Boeing enters into negotiations with federal government over floating national carrier

AIRCRAFT manufacturer Boeing has met with Nigerian government officials to discuss the prospect of setting up a national carrier to replace the defunct Nigeria Airways.

Founded in 1958, Nigeria Airways folded in 2003 having accumulated significant debts that outstripped its revenues from the mid-1980s. Since then, Nigeria has been without a national carrier and repeated attempts to float another one over recent years by successive governments have failed.

Although the government did not disclose if it had chosen Boeing as its partner for setting up an airline for the country, it stated that the meeting with the aircraft manufacturer was in furtherance of its resolve to establish a new carrier soon. Minister of state for aviation Hadi Sirika, noted that the meeting between the federal government and the team from Boeing was held in his office in Abuja.

Last November, the federal government announced that two major internationally renowned aircraft manufacturers, Airbus and Boeing, had indicated interest in Nigeria’s national carrier. Mr Sirika had stated that the manufacturers expressed willingness to discuss their interest with the government.

He added: “Boeing said they can’t wait to discuss their proposal for the Nigerian national carrier. Will sign a memorandum of understanding at the International World Aviation International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) forum.

"Airbus signified interest in our national carrier and our maintenance, repair and overhaul. We will discuss further during the upcoming ICAO forum.”

Transaction advisers for the national carrier and manufacturer had since been announced and unveiled by the federal government. However, Mr Sirika’s latest tweet on the new airline was greeted by criticisms and commendation by his followers.