Nigerian Air will begin operations later this year in October, according to Bloomberg.
The CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, which owns a 49 per cent stake in the airline revealed in an interview on Friday.
Tasew said that the firm is eager to see Nigeria Air start flying local and international routes.
Ethiopian Airlines in 2022 won the bid to handle operations of the proposed Nigeria Air in controversial circumstances after local players complained the company was handed an advantage during the bidding process.
According to Tasew, the airline will begin operations with two wide-bodied planes and six narrow-bodied aircraft. He said, “We are eager to see the airline start flying and connecting the local market to the international market”
He also added that Ethiopian Airlines using its proven model, the airline has an objective to enable Nigeria to have a flag carrier.
He said, “The prime objective is to enable Nigeria to have an air carrier. Ethiopian Airlines will have a management contract. Effectively, Ethiopian Airlines will manage the airline to be successful.”
Tasew also commented on the difficult business environment in Nigeria but expressed optimism based on the size of the Nigerian economy and the potential inherent in it.