The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is studying the possibility of approving China’s new C919 aircraft for Nigerian airlines.
This move comes as Nigeria looks for ways to expand its aviation sector and strengthen ties with China.
Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the NCAA Director-General, explained that the process of certification could take several months. He admitted that the aircraft has not yet been approved by Western regulators like those in the U.S. and Europe, but Nigeria is willing to consider it.
The C919, built by China’s COMAC, is a narrow-body jet designed to compete with Boeing and Airbus. However, the company has faced challenges such as delayed deliveries and the lack of global certifications.
To win Nigeria’s trust, COMAC has offered maintenance and training support for Nigerian carriers. They are also exploring leasing deals that would make the aircraft more affordable.
Some local airlines, like NG Eagle, have shown interest in expanding their fleets with the C919 if the planes are certified.
For ordinary Nigerians, cheaper airfares may be the bigger hope. Data from IATA shows ticket prices have already dropped by over 40% in recent years.
