Nigeria to Relaunch National Airline, Ethiopian Airlines to Own 49%

Ethiopian Airlines will own a 49% stake in the new Nigerian airline, Nigeria Air Limited.

In addition, the Nigerian Sovereign Fund will own 46% and the Nigerian federal government the remaining 5%.

According to Financial Times, Nigeria Air Limited will be launched with three Boeing 737-800 planes and plans to own 30 jets and operate international flights in two years.

Ethiopian Airlines also owns 45% of Zambia Airways, 49% of Guinea Airways, 100% of Ethiopia-Mozambique Airlines, 49% of Chad Airlines, and 49% of Air Malawi.

Nigeria Air Limited has already commenced the recruitment of qualified crew members for its operation according to the aviation ministry in a memo posted Friday.

“Nigeria Air is now recruiting qualified crew for the following positions: Experienced, and current B737 Captains; Experienced, and Current B737 First Officers; Experienced, and Current B737 Senior Cabin Crew and Cabin Crew Experienced, and Current B737 Engineers (B1/B2 preferred),” the memo noted.

Nigeria’s defunct carrier, Nigeria Airways, collapsed due to corruption and poor management.