Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said that Nigeria Air might kick off in the next six weeks if approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

He also disclosed that Ethiopian Airlines emerged as the preferred bidder for the airline among 60 airlines that indicated interest to operate it.

Sirika, who spoke yesterday evening at a press briefing added that “the national carrier, Nigeria Air, is well on its way to being launched, with three Boeing 737-800 in a configuration that is very suitable for the Nigerian market.”

He said Nigeria Air would launch with a shuttle service between Abuja and Lagos to establish a new comfortable, reliable and affordable travel between these two major Nigerian airports, adding that other domestic destinations would follow thereafter.

According to him, Ethiopian Airline would own 49 per cent while Mrs Sachol and other Nigerian institutions will own 46 per cent while the Federal Government would own five per cent.

He stated that in the first three years, the airline would operate 30 aircraft of Boeing 737 and would later expand to Boeing 787 in the coming years.

He insisted that the Federal Government did not spend beyond N400 million including the money for transaction advisers, saying the airline is expected to create about 300,000 jobs for Nigerians.

Sirika said: “Nigeria Air Ltd is a limited liability company established in Nigeria. Nigerian shareholders would own 51 per cent while 49 per cent will be owned by Ethiopian Airline.” (Guardian)