– As Emirate promises to resume flights to Nigeria
By Chidiebere Ugwu
Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, CON, SAN, FCAirb. (UK) attends the 2023 Dubai Airshow at the UAE and visited the pavilions of leading aviation and aerospace industries in the world to inspect modern technologies that could be of use in driving his 5- Point Agenda for the aviation industry in Nigeria, particularly on the improvement of infrastructure and promotion of innovation and creativity in cutting-edge technologies relating to civil aviation.
In a statement, Odutayo Oluseyi, Head, Press and Public Affairs, stated that Keyamo had useful discussions with the representatives of the companies who shared their insights and expertise, and showcased the latest technologies that their companies could offer.
Using the opportunity of the Airshow, the Honourable Minister on the sidelines met with officials of Emirates Airline to further discuss the resumption of flights by the Airline to Nigeria which has yelled positive results as the management has given assurance that the resumption of the flight would commence very soon. They also affirmed that the Emirate’s Government has granted approval to the Nigeria’s carrier, Air Peace Airline, to fly direct into and out of the prime airport in Dubai.
Similarly, the Honourable Minister met with the management of Airlin Executive, led by its CEO, Dana Hatcic, a company that indicated interest in establishing an MRO facility in Nigeria. The management had fruitful discussions with the Honourable Minister and they have been invited to Nigeria for further follow-up of their business plans.
The Minister expressed the possibility of a maiden edition of the Nigeria Airshow sometime in November 2024, thereby becoming the first African country to organise such an event. Some of the exhibitors at the Dubai Airshow have made commitments to be at the maiden edition of Nigeria’s Airshow.
The Dubai Airshow which commenced on the 13th November was concluded on the 17th of November, 2023 attracted a considerable number of participants from around the world, including leading aviation and aerospace industry specialists.
