Nigeria now not blacklisted in airplane leasing – Operator

The Chief Working Officer of United Nigeria Airways, Osita Okonkwo, has confirmed that Nigeria is now not blacklisted within the world aviation leasing market, paving the way in which for improved entry to plane leasing alternatives.

“The necessary factor is that Nigeria is now not on the blacklist. Nigeria was blacklisted earlier than, however that’s sorted,” Okonkwo said.

He defined that whereas the nation’s blacklisting points have been resolved, particular person airline operators should now negotiate immediately with lessors to safe plane.

“So, particular person operators, we now have to debate flying the plane, talk about with lessors, meet their situations, after which signal on the dotted strains.”

In accordance with Okonkwo, Nigeria was beforehand thought of a high-risk market, making it troublesome for airways to lease plane. Nonetheless, with the improved score, operators now have higher alternatives.

“All of it is determined by the dangers. Earlier than, Nigeria was rated very excessive threat, and virtually no enterprise was performed with Nigeria, however now the excessive threat is gone. We hope the worth is aggressive,’ he mentioned.

The event is predicted to ease plane acquisition for Nigerian airways, enhancing the nation’s aviation sector and boosting airline operations.

Talking on the complexities of plane acquisition, the Particular Adviser on Media and Communications to the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Growth, Tunde Moshood, mentioned, “On dry leasing, the method of getting an aeroplane bought shouldn’t be your common technique of ‘I wish to purchase a automobile, and I’m paying, and I’m taking it house.’. There are such a lot of processes, so many documentary issues that might be concerned.”

He famous that Nigeria’s participation within the Boeing Lessors Discussion board has strengthened the nation’s standing within the world aviation market.

“So, the Boeing lessors discussion board that we attended has uncovered Nigeria to the Western world; they appreciated the truth that Nigeria is again and it’s promising and that we’re fulfilled in all righteousness. Like our IDERA, just like the Cape City Conference, all of those are what has endeared us to the lessors,” he added.

Moshood additional revealed that members of the Airline Operators of Nigeria had discussions with leasing corporations, opening avenues for potential offers, saying, “And among the AON members met with some leasing corporations, they usually have been speaking. Additionally, the key takeaway is that now we have one in every of our facet conferences, a gathering with Afreximbank. We’re getting 25 plane on dry lease, and the minister has additionally cajoled them and mentioned, although they mentioned it’s for all Africans, they’ve conceded that we are going to get a bit of it.”