In a significant step toward enhancing air connectivity between Nigeria and South America, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has led a high-powered delegation to Brazil for critical discussions with aircraft manufacturer Embraer and Brazilian aviation authorities.
The visit, according to Festus Keyamo, followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to establish direct air links between Nigeria and South America to facilitate easier aircraft leasing for Nigerian airlines and finalise a revised Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to enable non-stop flights.
Upon arrival in São Paulo, Keyamo and his team, including the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, and representatives of Nigerian airlines, held talks with Embraer, one of the world’s leading regional jet manufacturers.
The discussions focused on improving Nigerian carriers’ access to modern aircraft through flexible leasing arrangements and partnerships with global financiers.
“We had extensive discussions with Embraer on how they can support our aviation sector with their vast network of lessors and financial institutions,” Keyamo stated. “The goal is to empower Nigerian operators with the tools and partnerships necessary for growth and expansion.”
The delegation proceeded to Brazil’s capital, Brasília, where Keyamo is scheduled to meet with Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Sílvio Costa Filho. A key agenda item is the review of the existing BASA between both nations to allow for immediate direct flight operations.
Currently, travelers between Nigeria and Brazil face lengthy layovers, often transiting through Europe or the Middle East. A direct air link is expected to boost trade, tourism, and diplomatic relations, particularly given the historical and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil, which has one of the largest populations of African descendants outside Africa.
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