Boeing, an American aircraft manufacturer, on Tuesday invited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, aircraft financiers, and lessors to Dublin, Ireland, to address Nigeria’s aircraft shortage.
This was disclosed in a letter to Keyamo signed by the Commercial Sales Director of Boeing, Moore Ibekwe.
To address the shortage of operating airlines in Nigeria leading to flight disruptions and cancellations, Keyamo had visited Boeing’s head office to solicit support and secure aircraft leasing for Nigerian airlines.
In response to a document signed by the Federal Government and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Boeing said, “I want to thank and commend you for the efforts of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, under your leadership, to improve the lives of Nigerians through an enhanced aviation industry.
“Following your visit to our facilities in the United States, the press coverage of Nigerian aviation has been remarkably positive, like never before, therefore we need to capitalise on this positive momentum in the spirit of the MoU.
“During your visit, one of the follow-up items was to organise a forum during the Airline Economics conference, whereby we can leverage our relationships with leasing companies’ leadership for you to meet them and update them personally on the strides that the Federal Government of Nigeria is undertaking to improve the aviation industry.
“As we all agreed, in the presence of our Senior Vice President of Sales, it would be best if they heard from you firsthand.
“On our side, we are coordinating efforts with lessors to firm up dates and timing for these meetings.
“We would like to keep the delegation small and focused on Nigerian airlines seriously considering leasing aircraft in the next 24 months. It is important that the airlines we bring to the forefront are prepared so that we can demonstrate real business opportunities to maintain the interest of the lessors.”