Nigeria to approve Chinese planes for local airlines

Nigeria’s civil aviation regulator is weighing the certification of China’s C919 passenger jet for use by domestic airlines, according to the agency’s director general, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo.

The move comes as local carriers expand their fleets and as ties between Abuja and Beijing deepen.

The C919, produced by Chinese manufacturer COMAC, is designed to rival aircraft from Airbus and Boeing. Nigeria has held multiple discussions with the state-owned planemaker, which is seeking to break into the African market.

Despite its ambitions, COMAC faces hurdles. Its aircraft have yet to secure key approvals from Western aviation regulators, and the company has struggled to keep up with delivery schedules. Earlier this year, the U.S. temporarily blocked exports of the CFM engines used in the C919, citing trade disputes.

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Najomo confirmed that Nigeria is examining the months-long certification process for the jet, noting its lack of international validation.

“We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” Najomo told Reuters during the U.N. aviation agency’s assembly in Montreal.

To strengthen its pitch, COMAC has offered Nigerian carriers maintenance and training support, along with potential dry lease options—leasing planes without crew.
“We just told them that if they can make sure they facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it’s better,” Najomo said.

Local airlines are already showing interest. Abdullahi Ahmed, CEO of NG Eagle, said he is open to adding COMAC aircraft to his current fleet of three planes—provided certification and support are guaranteed.

Nigeria’s aviation sector has been gaining momentum. A recent improvement in its Aviation Working Group rating reflects stronger compliance with the Cape Town Convention, boosting confidence among lessors and giving the country’s 13 carriers better access to newer aircraft.

While flying remains costly for many Nigerians, IATA data shows average real airfares dropped by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023.

(REUTERS)