The Federal Government has completed its strategic engagement with leading aircraft manufacturers to firm up discussions on how to secure convenient equipment acquisition deals for indigenous operators.

Besides, following up on transaction discussions, the engagement is part of the government’s broader strategy and efforts to modernize Nigeria’s aviation industry as well as strengthen the capacity for local operators.

Last week, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo led a high-level working visit to Bombardier’s Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre (LBCC) in Montréal, Canada.

Keyamo said the Nigerian delegation’s visit to the Canadian aircraft manufacturer’s facility was initiated to establish direct relationships between Nigerian operators and major global aircraft Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs).

The visit marked the final leg of a series of engagements with the world’s leading aircraft manufacturers, following similar visits to Boeing, Airbus and Embraer.

The minister was accompanied by the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs Olubunmi Kuku; Nigeria’s Representative on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Engr. Mahmoud Sani Ben-Tukur; senior government officials, airline operators and other stakeholders in the aviation sector.

According to Keyamo, the Bombardier visit fulfilled a pledge he made shortly after assuming office in 2023 to facilitate direct engagement between Nigerian airline operators and the world’s foremost aircraft manufacturers.

He explained that the government’s comprehensive OEM engagement programme was conceived to support fleet renewal, improve access to aircraft financing, deepen technical cooperation, strengthen aircraft maintenance capabilities and enhance the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines in both regional and international markets.

Addressing participants during the visit, Keyamo reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing policies that would encourage the growth and sustainability of indigenous carriers.

He said the administration’s objective had remained consistent since he assumed office – to connect Nigerian operators directly with global aircraft manufacturers in order to unlock opportunities that would modernise airline fleets, improve safety standards, increase operational efficiency and build stronger indigenous aviation capacity.

The minister noted that direct engagement with aircraft manufacturers would also provide Nigerian airlines with easier access to aircraft acquisition options, financing arrangements and technical partnerships capable of supporting long-term industry growth.

Bombardier, recognised as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of business aircraft, produces the Challenger and Global series of executive jets and offers aircraft completion, maintenance, repair, pilot training and comprehensive aftermarket support services.

During the tour of the Laurent Beaudoin Completion Centre, members of the Nigerian delegation were taken through the company’s aircraft manufacturing and completion processes, maintenance support infrastructure, pilot and engineering training programmes, digital aviation technologies, aftermarket solutions and innovative aircraft acquisition models.

The government believes the engagement will create opportunities for collaboration in several strategic areas, including fleet modernisation, Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) services, engineering support, aviation training, technical manpower development and aerospace technology transfer.

Industry stakeholders also expect the partnership to facilitate greater interaction between Nigerian airline operators, aircraft manufacturers, international financiers and aircraft lessors, thereby improving access to modern aircraft and reducing some of the financing challenges confronting local carriers.

The visit forms part of the Federal Government’s broader aviation reform agenda aimed at encouraging the acquisition of newer, safer and more fuel-efficient aircraft while improving the overall operational performance of Nigerian airlines.

Officials said the completion of the engagement with Bombardier represents the culmination of the Federal Government’s strategic outreach to the four major global aircraft manufacturers – Boeing, Airbus, Embraer and Bombardier.

They added that the initiative demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to repositioning Nigeria as Africa’s preferred aviation hub through strategic international partnerships, stronger private-sector collaboration and sustainable reforms intended to drive investment, improve aviation infrastructure and boost the competitiveness of the country’s air transport industry.