THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Abia State airport runway at advanced stage as Enugu to launch direct ... Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development Share Governor Alex Chioma Otti and Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, have disclosed that the construction of the runway at the Abia State International Airport, Umuahia, is now at an advanced stage. This disclosure was made during the official unveiling ceremony of two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines on Thursday. The new airplanes were named in honor of the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, and the late globally renowned author, Chinua Achebe. Speaking at the event, Governor Otti expressed his long-term vision to see United Nigeria Airlines establish its primary operational hub at the upcoming Abia airport, echoing a strategic blueprint outlined by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Delivering his address at the ceremony, Festus Keyamo revealed the behind-the-scenes policy shifts that transformed a basic federal airstrip project into a full-scale international airport development for Abia State. “The first thing we did when we ca…

FG boosts financing, international route opportunities for indigenous ... “Over 90 per cent of international passenger traffic from Nigeria is still being carried by foreign airlines,” he said. The federal government says it is expanding support for indigenous airlines through improved access to aircraft financing and international routes to boost the competitiveness of Nigerian carriers. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), said this on Thursday in Lagos at the unveiling of two newly acquired next-generation Boeing 737-800 aircraft by United Nigeria Airlines. Mr Keyamo said the acquisition reflected the positive impact of reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to reposition the aviation sector. The aircraft were named in honour of the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, and the late Chinua Achebe, renowned author and literary icon. According to the minister, the administration inherited an aviation industry characterised by disputes, litigation and strained relationships among stakeholders, including airlines, unions and regulatory authorities. He said one of the government’s early interventions was to promote coll…

FG approves Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company to expand airline fleet ... Caleb Obiowo 4 min read The Federal Government has approved the establishment of the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company to improve domestic airlines’ access to aircraft and strengthen the country’s aviation sector. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this via his official X account on Friday, noting that it was among the resolutions approved at Thursday’s Federal Executive Council meeting. The initiative is expected to create a sovereign-backed leasing structure that will help Nigerian carriers acquire or lease aircraft more easily, reduce operational disruptions, and improve competitiveness against foreign airlines. According to Keyamo, the new company will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) that will be fully funded and run by private investors, while benefiting from strategic government backing without placing direct financial obligations on the Federal Government. He said the government’s role will largely involve providing sovereign guarantees to international aircraft lessors and manufacturers, particularly around repossession rights, to reduce invest…

Strategic Policy 7 Bold Wins Transform Aviation Growth Home Aviation News Nigeria Announces Direct Cargo Flight Plan at United Nigeria Aircraft Unveiling Aviation News Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Pix from left Dr Dare Akande, Founder Dellagio Air; Captain Chris Najomo, DG, Nigerian Civil aviation Authority; Dr Alex Otti, Governor of Abia State; Barrister Uju Ifejika, Chairman/CEO, Brittania-U Group of Companies; Professor Obiora Okonkwo, chairman, United Nigeria Airlines; Dr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace; Barrister Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe during United Nigeria Airlines unveiling of 2 Boeing 737-800NG named in honour of HRM Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and Professor Chinua Achebe held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja Lagos on Thursday Advertisement Strategic policy drives cargo breakthrough and Boeing 737-800NG unveiling M inister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, highlighted the broader strategic policy direction behind the industry’s expansion. He revealed plans for a major cargo breakthrough, stating: “In December, working with the Enugu State Government, we are negotiating what will…

Tinubu Govt Approves National Aircraft Leasing Firm For Nigerian Airlines The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo The Federal Government has approved the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company to support domestic airlines in accessing modern aircraft on competitive terms. Naija News reports that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed this after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council, describing the initiative as a major intervention in the country’s aviation sector. In a statement issued on Friday, Keyamo said the company would operate as a private-sector-driven Special Purpose Vehicle with government backing. The minister said the new platform would change the way Nigerian airlines acquire and finance aircraft. According to him, the initiative is expected to address the long-standing difficulties faced by local carriers in securing aircraft from international lessors. Keyamo said, “This initiative is a game-changer for our aviation industry. It eliminates the long-standing challenges Nigerian airlines face in accessing aircraft on competitive terms and positions the country as a hub for aviation fin…

Nigeria’s aircraft leasing company will allow airlines pay in naira — Minister <img width="1280" height="854" src="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-27-at-13.11.39_b1825766.jpg?fit=1280%2C854&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Keyamo speaks on securing Heathrow slot as Air Peace begins Abuja–London flights" style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-27-at-13.11.39_b1825766.jpg?w=1280&amp;ssl=1 1280w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-27-at-13.11.39_b1825766.jpg?resize=523%2C349&amp;ssl=1 523w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-27-at-13.11.39_b1825766.jpg?resize=768%2C512&amp;ssl=1 768w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-27-at-13.11.39_b1825766.jpg?resize=750%2C500&amp;ssl=1 750w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2025/10/WhatsApp-Image-2025-10-…

Nigeria's Aircraft Leasing Ambition: Can Keyamo Deliver? Home Analysis Nigeria’s Aircraft Leasing Ambition: Can Keyamo Deliver? AI-generated representation of a proposed Nigerian aircraft leasing company concept. This visual is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict a real organisation. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Advertisement Why an Aircraft Leasing Company N igeria doesn’t just “need” an aircraft leasing company; it is operating with a structural handicap that quietly distorts its entire aviation market. For decades, local airlines have survived on the margins of a global system that works efficiently elsewhere. Aircraft are leased , fleets are optimised, and airlines scale with relative ease. In Nigeria, the same system exists, but under far harsher conditions, dollar-denominated leases, elevated risk premiums, legal uncertainty, and the lingering weight of a difficult past with lessors. The consequences are visible in the everyday experience of air travel: unstable fleets, persistent delays, and aircraft that appear briefly before disappearing again. This is the gap the newly approved aircraft leasing initiative aims to close. And with Minister Festus Keya…

FG approves New York, Dubai, Canada routes for United Nigeria Airlines — Keyamo <img width="680" height="406" src="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-18-at-19.54.32-1-1.jpeg?fit=680%2C406&amp;ssl=1" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="Pictures from the unveiling of the two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircrafts of the United Nigeria airlines in Abuja." style="display: block; margin: auto; margin-bottom: 5px;max-width: 100%;" link_thumbnail="" decoding="async" srcset="https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-18-at-19.54.32-1-1.jpeg?w=680&amp;ssl=1 680w, https://i0.wp.com/media.premiumtimesng.com/wp-content/files/2026/06/WhatsApp-Image-2026-06-18-at-19.54.32-1-1.jpeg?resize=526%2C314&amp;ssl=1 526w" sizes="(max-width: 680px) 100vw, 680px" /><p> The aviation minister says the approvals are part of efforts to increase the participation of Nigerian airlines in the international travel market currently dominated by foreign carriers.</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.premiumtimesng.com/business/business-news/888887-fg-approves-new-york-dubai-canada-r…

Nigeria Plans Aircraft Leasing Firm to Let Airlines Pay in Naira (The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo. Photo Credit: Premuim Times) The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has disclosed that Nigeria's proposed aircraft leasing company will enable local airlines to acquire aircraft through domestic arrangements, allowing them to make payments in naira rather than dollars. Keyamo made this known while speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural African Air Transport Conference in Lomé, Togo. According to the minister, the proposed Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company would be privately funded, though backed by government guarantees designed to attract investors and minimise risks for aircraft owners and financiers. He explained that the initiative is aimed at helping local airlines overcome one of their most pressing challenges, which is gaining access to aircraft on affordable terms. He noted that the federal government would retain a modest stake in the company, owing to the sovereign guarantees it intends to provide. On government support, Keyamo revealed that President Bola Tinubu had already approved the initiative, with…

Nigeria plans aircraft leasing company to let airlines pay in naira Nigeria is pressing ahead with plans to establish a national aircraft leasing company that would allow domestic airlines to acquire aircraft through local financing arrangements and make lease payments in naira rather than US dollars, according to reports by The Premium Times . Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo said the proposed Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company would be privately funded but supported by government guarantees aimed at attracting investors and reducing risks for lessors and creditors. The initiative has been approved by President Bola Tinubu and discussions with potential investors are ongoing. The minister said the leasing platform is designed to address one of the biggest challenges facing Nigerian airlines: access to aircraft on affordable terms. Under the proposed structure, airlines would transact with the local leasing company in naira, while the company would manage any foreign currency obligations associated with aircraft acquisitions and financing. Keyamo said the government may retain a minority stake because of the sovereign guarantees being provided and could also offer tax incentives to s…

Airlines To Lease Aircraft In Naira Under New Financing Scheme Airlines To Lease Aircraft In Naira Under New Financing Scheme Nigeria By Aisha BELLO On Jun 17, 2026 Festus Keyamo The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, says Nigeria’s planned aircraft leasing company will allow local airlines to acquire aircraft through domestic arrangements and make payments in naira instead of US dollars. Keyamo disclosed this while speaking on the sidelines of the inaugural African Air Transport Conference in Lomé, Togo, noting that the initiative is designed to ease one of the aviation sector’s biggest challenges access to aircraft financing under favourable terms. According to him, the proposed Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company will be fully privately funded but supported by government-backed guarantees aimed at reducing risks for investors, aircraft owners, and financiers. He added that the Federal Government would retain a minority stake due to the sovereign guarantees involved. President Bola Tinubu has already approved the initiative, while discussions with potential investors are ongoing, the minister said. Keyamo explained that the structure would provide “de-ri…

Keyamo Unveils Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company To Support Local Airlines Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company to help address aircraft acquisition challenges facing indigenous airlines. The initiative was presented during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja involving airline operators, investors, and regulators. According to the minister, the leasing company is designed to provide local airlines with easier access to aircraft leasing opportunities and support the growth and sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Keyamo also stated that the project would operate as a private sector-driven initiative with limited government guarantees. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn WhatsApp Email Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Nigeria sets up aircraft leasing arm for carriers - ch-aviation News Commercial Aviation General News Commercial Aviation Air Peace Boeing 737-500, © Air Peace By Hilka Birns 29May2026 LinkedIn X Facebook Copy news link RSS Feed Type Scheduled Carrier Base Lagos Aircraft 28 Destinations 25 Routes 45 Daily Flights 71 The Nigerian government has approved the establishment of a privately funded aircraft leasing company aimed at easing local airlines' access to aircraft and reducing the country's chronic flight disruptions, aviation minister Festus Keyamo announced. In a statement, he said the Federal Executive Council on April 30 approved the creation of the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company, an incorporated special purpose vehicle (SPV) that will be commercially operated and fully privately funded, with no obligation for direct federal investment. The government will instead provide sovereign guarantees to international lessors and manufacturers to lower investor risk and facilitate asset repossession, while holding equity through Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI). First announced in November 2025 , the leasing company will ac…

Keyamo unveils aircraft leasing company to boost airlines operations ... Aviation Keyamo unveils aircraft leasing company to boost airlines operations Ngozika Onah May 26, 2026 Share Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the Nigeria Aircraft Leasing Company as part of efforts to ease aircraft acquisition challenges facing domestic airlines. The initiative was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja attended by airline operators, investors, and aviation regulators. Keyamo said the project reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening indigenous airlines through policies aimed at improving growth, sustainability, and operational efficiency. He noted that the resolution of Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention compliance issues was a key milestone that enabled the establishment of the leasing company. The minister explained that the company will operate as a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) designed to provide airlines with easier access to aircraft leasing, rather than compete with existing lessors. He added that the initiative will be largely private sector-driven…