To advance Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo , has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing, one of the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers.
According to the Special Assistant to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, the signing ceremony took place on 28th August 2024, in Seattle, Washington, USA, in the presence of key Nigerian aviation stakeholders, including executives from major Nigerian airlines, top management tram of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and representatives from the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
He added that the MoU which was signed between the Honourable Minister and Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, marks a significant step forward in enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of Nigerian airlines while positioning them for growth in the global aviation market.
According to him, based on the agreement , Boeing will leverage its extensive network of financiers and lessors to help Nigerian airlines acquire newer generation Boeing aircraft, thus modernizing their fleets, provide enhanced technical support to assist airlines in the introduction of new or used Boeing aircraft, ensuring smooth integration into existing operations, provide for comprehensive training in airline operations and business models, aimed at improving the business practices and operational efficiency of Nigerian airlines, grant Nigerian airlines access to its vast repository of maintenance documents, engineering drawings, parts purchasing, and flight operations documents, streamlining maintenance practices and reducing operational downtimes.
Furthermore, the Boeing will provide on-site Field Services Representation in Nigeria or nearby locations, offering immediate support to airlines as they navigate operational challenges, collaborate with Nigerian airlines on in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the board, It’s Airports Engineering team will provide consultation to open or expand airport capabilities across Nigeria and offer advisory services on the development of Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities and in partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), it will also work closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional regulators to bolster safety oversight within the region.
Speaking at the occasion, the Nigeria Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo, emphasized the importance of the MoU in supporting the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This partnership with Boeing represents a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize and enhance the capabilities of Nigerian airlines. The benefits of this MoU will be far-reaching, not only in improving the operational efficiency of our airlines but also in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in Nigeria,” he said.
Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa at Boeing, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to work closely with Nigeria’s aviation stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions that will help Nigerian airlines thrive in the competitive global aviation landscape. This MoU underscores our commitment to supporting the growth and development of aviation in Africa.”
Tunde Moshood noted that the strategic MoU is expected to catalyze significant improvements in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and operational standards, further positioning the country as a key player in the global aviation industry.
