The stage is now set for the federal government to unveil
the much-awaited national carrier - about seven years after the liquidation of Nigeria Airways.

THISDAY can report that the new carrier, to be known as
‘Nigeria One,’ will be unfolded as part of the 53rd
Independence anniversary message by President
Goodluck Jonathan on October 1.

Competent federal government sources told THISDAY in
Abuja Thursday that the airline would form its nucleus from some of the domestic airlines, including Aero Contractors and Air Nigeria.

The recent acquisition of 60 per cent stake of Aero by the
Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON), it was
gathered, was a strategic step towards the actualisation of government’s national carrier aspiration.

The 60 per cent stake, which led to the take over of Aero
by AMCON was occasioned by the about N32 billion it owes banks.

To set the new national carrier on a sound footing, the
federal government is said to be making efforts to inject
about N200 billion through a transparent private sector
Initial Public Offering (IPO).

Although it was not clear what arrangement the
government had reached with the owner of Air Nigeria,
THISDAY learnt that barring any unforeseen circumstances, the new airline was scheduled to commence full operations before the end of the year.

The liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2005 during the
administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo,
against admonitions by Nigerians and international bodies,including the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC’s) option of privatisation, has opened the floodgate for huge capital flight at the detriment of the country.

The huge repatriation by foreign airlines, lack of capacity of domestic airlines, the futile attempt to make Lagos State a hub in the absence of a national carrier, and the wanton exploitation of Nigerian travellers by foreign airlines, as well as many other factors have further compelled the incumbent administration to look the way of a national carrier.

The government was particularly trying to use the new
national carrier to reduce the huge advantage foreign
carriers have enjoyed over the years through the Bilateral
Air Service Agreements (BASAs).

Aero Contractors was formed in 1959 as a wholly-owned by Schreiner Airways B.V of the Netherlands. It became a
company with initially 40 per cent Nigerian holding in 1973 and subsequently 60 per cent in 1976.

In January 2004, Schreiner Airways was bought by
Canadian Helicopter Corporation (CHC) which acquired 40 per cent holding of Aero Contractors while 60 per cent
majority share remained within the Ibru family group.
Until the acquisition of 60 per cent stake by AMCON, Aero
was wholly-owned by the Ibru family.

Air Nigeria, formerly known as Virgin Nigeria was midwifed as a private airline in 2005 by the federal government with British carrier, Virgin Atlantic Airways as the core investor.

However, the British carrier was to divest later, paving the way for Jimoh Ibrahim to acquire the airline and change the name to Air Nigeria.The airline was rested last year after the owner disengaged the workers.

Source:www.thisdaylive.com/articles/fg-to-unveil-new-national-carrier-in-october/157033/

I don't know if this is actually a priority now...
*grabs popcorn & Fanta* chilling to read from other posters.

They should acquire Arik, medview and all other local airlines to form a monopoly and then immediately privatize it through the stock exchange.

All I want to hear is that this new carrier will be wholly managed by the private sector on a performance contract basis.

Or else...

HNosegbe: All I want to hear is that this new carrier will be wholly managed by the private sector on a performace contract basis.

Or else...

That is exactly what it is. Wholly private sector managed.

Sincere 9gerian:
That is exactly what it is. Wholly private sector managed.

Good.

Still On the right course, no shaking at all

HNosegbe: All I want to hear is that this new carrier will be wholly managed by the private sector on a performace contract basis.

Or else...

Yes given the inability of successive Nigerian govt at efficient management.

yunglykmine: I don't know if this is actually a priority now...
*grabs popcorn & Fanta* chilling to read from other posters.

It is because it will drive airfares down..and further increase travelling options..so flying will no longer be seen as the exclusive preserve of the rich

yunglykmine: I don't know if this is actually a priority now...
*grabs popcorn & Fanta* chilling to read from other posters.

When will something ever be a priority to folks like you? Perhaps you need to read the news again to see how needful the national carrier has become. Everything doesn‘t have to be measured in naira and kobo u know?

Good move ...

Shebi, na naija wey dey..


Make we dey watch whether e go last.

Nice

Another great achievement by GEJ. fresh air everywhere u go.

GeJ is working, ApC is bad mouthing in confusion

...

.

as far as jobs r created(transparently) I would welcome it.

iamswizz: Shebi, na naija wey dey..


Make we dey watch whether e go last.

I pity your life

Ooohhh watin i wan even write dat tym eeehhh ok

HNosegbe:

Good.

aw e gud

If this woman pulls this off, my mouth would drop in amazement! I'm already impressed with her thus far, and this would only be jara (extra) if it actually happens.

I just hope it would not be sold to Jimoh Ibrahim again or another friend of the government!

yunglykmine: I don't know if this is actually a priority now...
*grabs popcorn & Fanta* chilling to read from other posters.

Popcorn don suffer for una hand sha..
When person wan go toilet,he go grab popcorn..
When people dey fight,una go grab popcorn..
..
Na only Popcorn be food...
All izz well!

Yungwizzzy: akpa amu why not use that billion to settle ASUU and let the students go back to school always putting priority on non important things

ewu asaba

You are the Ewu here. I'm a student of OAU, and I totally support the Federal govt on this one, those lecturers are greedy.

Keep running ur mouth while GEJ is working

And how is this sh*t going to end ASUU strike
Huh

Shebi na Oct 1 abi,we Go See, Gej Is working, Apc is calculating

?...
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princemolak: Shebi na Oct 1 abi,we Go See, Gej Is working, Apc is calculating

?...

For your Mind Abi

well dis a very good developmt sha ooh, am an anti jona but say d trut he has don more work than any president since abacha

Brimmie:

If your I.Q na call credit, e nor go fit flash!!

I pray God work on your life same way Jonathan is working on the lives of Nigerians.

hello just saw ur missed call. What did u want to say?