Nigeria’s aviation regulator is exploring the certification of China’s C919 passenger jet, in a move that could strengthen ties with Beijing and expand options for local airlines.
Captain Chris Ona Najomo, director general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, told Reuters the authority was weighing up the months-long certification process needed for the aircraft to operate on domestic routes.
“We’re looking at the certification of the aeroplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” he said on the sidelines of the UN aviation agency’s assembly in Montreal.
The C919, built by Chinese state-owned manufacturer Comac, is designed to rival the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
The narrow-body aircraft has attracted interest across Africa but faces hurdles, including a lack of certification from Western regulators and production delays. The US also temporarily halted exports of its CFM engines earlier this year amid trade tensions.
Nigeria, with a population of more than 230 million, is seen as one of the continent’s most promising aviation markets.
Najomo said Comac had offered maintenance and training support for any future Nigerian operators and was also discussing “dry lease” arrangements, in which aircraft are leased without crew.
Abdullahi Ahmed, chief executive of Nigerian airline NG Eagle, said he was considering expanding his current fleet of three jets and would look at Comac’s aircraft if certification and support were assured.
Comac, which hopes to gain a foothold in Africa, has held several rounds of talks with Nigerian officials.
