Mesfin Tasew, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, confirmed on Wednesday that the East African aviation giant has abandoned the Nigeria Air project and is now focusing on independent commercial growth within the Nigerian market.

Speaking during a press conference at the ongoing IATA Focus Africa Conference in Addis Ababa, Tasew provided the status of the joint venture that was intended to establish a new flag carrier for Nigeria.

“I would like to start by saying to the public that the national carrier project no more exists,” Tasew stated. “That has been abandoned, and it Is safe to say so.”

The Nigeria Air project, which saw an Ethiopian Airlines-branded Boeing 737-800 unveiled in Abuja in the final days of Hadi Sirika as Aviation Minister, had been mired in legal battles and policy shifts.

Tasew’s comments signal that Ethiopian Airlines has officially walked away from the equity-partnership model for the Nigerian national carrier.

Despite the termination of the national carrier project, Tasew emphasised that the relationship between Ethiopian Airlines and the Nigerian government remains on excellent terms.

Instead of owning a piece of a national carrier, the airline has significantly ramped up its own operations to meet Nigeria’s demand.

“We have been flying from four cities in Nigeria. Previously, we had four flights per week to Nigeria; now that has increased to six every day, and it will increase further,” Tasew revealed.

The CEO noted that the airline’s new strategy focuses on Commercial Agreements rather than ownership. “Our relationship with the Nigerian government is very good now, and we would like to have partnerships like commercial agreements with more independent airlines in Nigeria.”

When asked about future prospects in Nigeria, Tasew clarified that Ethiopian Airlines is not seeking any other “identity-based” partnerships in the country at this time.

“Otherwise, we don’t have any intention of having any type of partnership in Nigeria,” he explained.

He however noted that Ethiopian Airlines remains a champion of continental collaboration, provided the interest is mutual.

“Yes, we are ready and happy to cooperate with other African countries and we are doing that, but partnership will work only when both parties express interest. We cannot go to a country and say, ‘Look, we want to establish this.’ We cannot do that unless they are ready and willing.”

Beyond Nigeria, Ethiopian Airlines said it is aggressively pursuing other continental ventures.

Tasew disclosed that the airline is currently processing several requests from other African nations to replicate its successful multi-hub strategy. (BusinessDay)