Keyamo Secures Major Airbus Deals to Boost Nigeria's Aviation

Festus Keyamo, Nigeria's Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led a delegation to France to finalize landmark deals with Airbus, focusing on the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines. The delegation included officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and stakeholders from the public and private aviation sectors.

During the visit, they toured Airbus's aircraft assembly plants in Toulouse and Marseille, where the latest jet and helicopter technologies were showcased. Keyamo expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government for creating opportunities to improve the aviation sector, highlighting the importance of partnerships with Airbus.

The agreements also include a student exchange program and capacity development initiatives. Ibom Air, managed by Georg Uriesi, is expected to receive two new aircraft soon, part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria's airline fleet under the approval of President Bola Tinubu.

The initiative is seen as a major shift for Nigerian carriers in acquiring financing for aircraft.