FG mulls China’s aircraft for local airlines

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is weighing the certification of China’s C919 aircraft for use by local airlines, the agency’s director general disclosed.

The move comes as Nigerian carriers expand their fleets and as bilateral relations with Beijing continue to strengthen.

The C919, produced by Chinese manufacturer COMAC, is a narrow-body jet designed to rival Western giants Airbus and Boeing. COMAC has engaged in multiple discussions with Nigerian officials about introducing the aircraft to the country’s aviation market.

Earlier this month, Nigeria’s aviation minister announced that the country is open to serving as COMAC’s hub for entry into the wider African market.

Despite this momentum, COMAC faces hurdles. Its aircraft models have yet to secure certification from leading Western aviation regulators, and production delays have caused it to fall behind schedule on deliveries. The U.S. also temporarily suspended exports of the CFM engines powering the C919 this year amid trade tensions.

Nigeria, with its population of 230 million, remains one of Africa’s most promising aviation markets.

The NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, said the agency is considering the months-long certification process required for the C919 to fly domestic routes, citing the lack of validation from Western authorities.

Ogun airport begins operations with ValueJet commercial flights October 7

“We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” Najomo told Reuters on the sidelines of the U.N. aviation agency’s assembly in Montreal.

According to a spokesperson for Nigeria’s first international air show, COMAC plans to showcase one of its aircraft at the December event, though the specific model has not been disclosed.

Najomo added that COMAC has offered maintenance and training support for any aircraft acquired by Nigerian airlines and is exploring dry lease options, where planes are leased without crew.

“We just told them that if they can make sure they facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it’s better,” he said.

The CEO of NG Eagle, Abdullahi Ahmed, confirmed that his airline is seeking to expand its fleet of three jets and would consider COMAC aircraft if they are certified and supported with adequate maintenance and training services.

Nigeria’s improved rating from the Aviation Working Group, which monitors compliance with the Cape Town Convention on leasing and financing aircraft, has encouraged more lessors to provide planes to the country’s 13 carriers.

Although flying remains expensive for many Nigerians, data from IATA shows that average real airfare dropped by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023.

At present, the C919 is exclusively operated by Chinese airlines. COMAC’s smaller C909 regional jet is flown by three carriers in Southeast Asia.

The Star