Kano State Plans New Airline Amid Viability Concerns

The Kano state government announced plans to establish a commercial airline aimed at creating employment opportunities for trained indigenous pilots and enhancing the state's role in Nigeria's aviation industry. The proposed airline is expected to commence operations within one year.

This initiative seeks to address the issue of skilled aviation professionals remaining unemployed due to limited opportunities in the sector. Recently, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Bayelsa state-owned Pioneer Airlines Limited for non-scheduled flight operations.

Other states, including Sokoto, Ogun, Anambra, and Lagos, are also in various stages of launching their airlines. Concerns have been raised by aviation experts, including Capt. John Adetunji, regarding the logic and viability of state governments investing in airlines while neglecting basic infrastructure and services.

The first state-owned airline, Imo Air, launched in January 2017, faced challenges that hindered its growth.