In an interview with O’tega Ogra titled “Unfiltered: The Big Interview,” the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, revealed that the Nigerian government is in the process of enabling local airlines to establish direct connections to the United States and South American countries.
Air Peace initiated its Lagos-London flights on March 20. However, Keyamo mentioned during the interview that efforts are being made to facilitate direct flight services from Nigeria to the US and South America for local carriers.
Discussing the negotiation of Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA), Keyamo emphasized the importance of competition in lowering prices in the market. He highlighted the need to enforce these agreements to empower Nigerian operators and promote fair competition against foreign entities operating on lucrative routes.
Previously dominated by international airlines like British Airways, these routes saw exorbitant ticket prices, creating a need for local carriers to enter the market and provide more affordable options for travelers. Keyamo highlighted the successful entry of Air Peace into these routes as a positive development that led to price reductions.
Looking ahead, Keyamo mentioned plans to expand flight operations to American and South American destinations, emphasizing the potential for growth in these underserved markets.
In addition to granting access to international routes, the government is focused on enhancing the operational capacity of local airlines to effectively service these routes. Keyamo underscored the importance of leasing aircraft as a cost-effective strategy used by major airlines globally to maintain fleet capacity.
Highlighting the government’s efforts in supporting the aviation sector, Keyamo reiterated the dual approach of granting route access and improving operational capabilities to bolster the competitiveness and sustainability of Nigerian airlines.