Ethiopian Airlines has announced that it is in the final stages of preparations for the establishment of Nigeria's national airline. The airline will be a joint venture between Ethiopian Airlines and three Nigerian investors, with Ethiopian Airlines holding a 49% share.

The airline is expected to start flying by October 2023. Ethiopian Airlines has already established a committee to oversee the preparations, and has started the process of obtaining an Air Operator's Certificate from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

The establishment of the Nigerian national airline is part of Ethiopian Airlines' strategy to connect Africa in the aviation sector. Ethiopian is already working with other African airlines.

Nigeria selected Ethiopian Airlines (ET) to become Nigeria Air’s technical partner in 2022 after ET came out as a winner of the technical bidding process and financial bids by scoring 89/100 and 15/20, respectively. Nigeria Air would have an initial capital of USD 300 million and plans to have 30 aircraft within four years.

Source: Addis Zemen

Additional source: 2Merkato Archives