Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, on Monday, met with Embraer in Brazil to seek support for Nigerian airlines.
Embraer is a global aircraft manufacturer and lessor.
In a statement on Tuesday, Tunde Moshood, the special adviser on media and communications to the minister, said Keyamo’s visit to Brazil was aimed at establishing a direct air route between Nigeria and South America.
He said the minister arrived in the country late Monday, accompanied by Chris Najomo, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and representatives of local airline operators.
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Moshood said the highlight of the visit was a top-level meeting with the global aircraft manufacturer and lessor at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo state.
“Embraer, a renowned leader in regional aircraft production, is collaborating with the Nigerian delegation to explore avenues for strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem through enhanced access to modern aircraft, favourable leasing options, and a network of credible financiers,” the statement said.
Speaking after the meeting, Keyamo said the talks with the aircraft manufacturer focused on ways they could contribute to the development of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
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“We had extensive discussions with Embraer on how they can support our aviation sector with their vast network of lessors and financial institutions,” the minister was quoted as saying.
“The goal is to empower Nigerian operators with the tools and partnerships necessary for growth and expansion.”
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Moshood said the working visit will continue today in Brasilia, where Keyamo is scheduled to meet with his Brazilian counterpart, Sílvio Costa Filho, the minister of ports and airports.
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“Central to the agenda is the review and adjustment of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil to allow for the immediate commencement of direct flight operations between the two countries,” he said.
The statement said the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s ‘renewed hope agenda’ to boost regional connectivity, expand international trade, and foster closer diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and South America.
On October 7, 2024, Nigeria commenced discussions with Brazil to facilitate direct flights between both countries.
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