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In a bid to tackle the challenges facing the aviation industry, particularly the lack of aircraft, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing.
Mr. Tunde Moshood, the Minister’s Media and Communications Special Adviser, announced this in a statement on Thursday.
Moshood said the agreement includes a comprehensive training component, covering airline operations and business models, to improve the operational efficiency and business practices of Nigerian airlines.
The minister and Mr. Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, signed the MoU at a ceremony in Abuja.
The signing was witnessed by a diverse group of Nigerian aviation stakeholders, including top airline executives, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority officials, and representatives from the airline operators of Nigeria.
A major aspect of the agreement is the facilitation of aircraft acquisition, enabling Boeing to tap into its vast network of financiers and lessors to assist Nigerian airlines in acquiring modern, next-generation Boeing aircraft, thereby upgrading their fleets.
Boeing is also expected to provide enhanced technical support to help airlines introduce new or used Boeing aircraft, ensuring smooth integration into existing operations.
Boeing will also 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.
Moshood said: “Boeing will provide on-site Field Services Representation in Nigeria or nearby locations, offering immediate support to airlines as they navigate operational challenges.
“A leadership-development training program will be implemented to strengthen the leadership pipeline within Nigerian airlines, ensuring sustained growth and excellence.
“Boeing will collaborate with Nigerian airlines on in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the board.
“In partnership with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Boeing will work closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional regulators to bolster safety oversight within the region.”
The minister praised the MoU’s role in growing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He said: “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.”
Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Mr. Yitbarek, said: “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.”
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