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The Federal Government has started negotiations with aircraft manufacturers and investors towards the unveiling of the name and logo of Nigeria’s national carrier, the Minister of State for Aviation, ahadi Sirika, says.
A statement by Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Media and Public Affairs said the Nigerian delegation led by tbe minister, to the ongoing Farnborough International Air Show in the UK, had met with the Management of Airplane manufacturers, Airbus to negotiate the acquisition of the desired aircraft for the nation.
According to the statement, Sirika also disclosed that negotiations with Boeing and other Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) would take place.
The Minister said that the ongoing International Air Show is an opportunity to negotiate with airline manufacturers with the view of getting the most competitive and best value-for-money deals for the country.
He said he would also explore every opportunity available at the air show, an event that brings the biggest and the best in the industry, to attract more prospective investors into the Nigerian aviation environment.
Sirika explained that the show would provide an opportunity to establish a Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, concession of some airports in the country and other components of the Aviation Roadmap the federal government.
The minister had on July 6 said that the airline would commence operations in December.