Major Nigerian airlines, under the umbrella of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Boeing to enhance aircraft acquisition, safety practices, and other critical areas of the aviation industry.
The agreement was finalised on Wednesday in Seattle, Washington, during a delegation led by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
In a statement released on Thursday by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media and Communications, Tunde Moshood, it was noted that the MoU includes provisions for comprehensive training in airline operations and business models aimed at boosting the business practices and operational efficiency of Nigerian airlines.
The MoU was signed by Minister Keyamo and Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, in the presence of key stakeholders from the Nigerian aviation sector.
These included executives from Nigerian airlines, top officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and representatives from the Airline Operators of Nigeria.
A key component of the agreement is the facilitation of aircraft acquisition, where Boeing will use its extensive network of financiers and lessors to assist Nigerian airlines in acquiring newer generation Boeing aircraft, thus modernizing their fleets. Additionally, Boeing is expected to provide enhanced technical support to ensure the seamless integration of new or used Boeing aircraft into existing operations.
Boeing will also grant Nigerian airlines access to a vast array of maintenance documents, engineering drawings, parts purchasing, and flight operations documents, which will streamline maintenance practices and reduce operational downtimes.
“Boeing will provide on-site Field Services Representation in Nigeria or nearby locations, offering immediate support to airlines as they navigate operational challenges,” Moshood added.
The agreement also includes a leadership development training program to strengthen the leadership pipeline within Nigerian airlines, ensuring sustained growth and excellence.
Boeing will collaborate with Nigerian airlines on in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering to enhance safety and operational efficiency across the board.
In partnership with the NCAA and the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Boeing will work closely with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and regional regulators to strengthen safety oversight within the region.
Minister Keyamo emphasized the significance of the MoU in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector, stating, “This partnership with Boeing represents a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize and enhance the capabilities of Nigerian airlines. The benefits of this MoU will be far-reaching, not only in improving the operational efficiency of our airlines but also in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in Nigeria.”
Boeing’s Vice President, Anbessie Yitbarek, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We are excited to work closely with Nigeria’s aviation stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions that will help Nigerian airlines thrive in the competitive global aviation landscape. This MoU underscores our commitment to supporting the growth and development of aviation in Africa.”