Nigeria’s Ministry of Aviation has said its proposed Nigerian Air will begin operations in July despite delays in its schedule.
The Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) and the Air Transport Licence (ATL) and the search for bidders to promote the public-private venture have threatened to delay the July date.
The aviation ministry’s Special Assistant, Dr James Odaudu revealed that the July take-off date will still be on schedule as the interim management of Nigeria Air was working to ensure its actualisation.
He explained that the extension was a response to the request made by those who have submitted bids for the company and are planning for an off-take.
“Yes, people are wondering if we will still keep to the July date. Sure, the date remains and the extension will not affect the starting date because there is interim management in place to hand the airline over to the bidder once the process has been completed. We remain on course,” according to the Guardian.
Nigeria Air is being floated to replace Nigeria Airways which stopped operations since 2003. The company is expected to work in tandem with the Nigerian government in a public-private-partnership model.
International partners have been given 49% stake on the company while the general public will own 46%. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation said five per cent of the company will be owned by the federal government.