Boeing has announced plans to facilitate connections between Nigerian airlines and international investors at the upcoming Airline Economics Conference in Dublin, scheduled for January 12 to 15, 2025.
This was disclosed in a letter to Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, dated October 24, 2024, where the director of Boeing’s commercial sales, Moore Ibekwe, outlined the initiative.
The forum aims to present selected Nigerian airline operators to potential investors, enhancing opportunities for collaboration and investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Boeing’s correspondence emphasized Keyamo’s earlier request to leverage the company’s connections with leasing firms to attract investment into Nigeria’s aviation sector.
This request followed a meeting on August 28, where Keyamo, alongside representatives from the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), engaged with Boeing executives in Seattle, Washington.
During this meeting, the Nigerian government and Boeing solidified their partnership by signing a memorandum of understanding.
This agreement aims to utilize Boeing’s extensive network of financiers and lessors to facilitate the acquisition of modern aircraft, enhancing the capabilities of Nigeria’s airline industry.
In his update to Keyamo, Ibekwe mentioned that Boeing is currently in discussions with lessors to finalise meeting dates. He emphasised the importance of Nigerian airlines participating seriously in these discussions, particularly those looking to lease aircraft within the next 24 months.
The letter stated, “Following your visit to our facilities in the United States, the press coverage about Nigerian Aviation has been remarkably positive like never before seen, therefore we need to capitalize on the positive momentum in the spirit of the MoU.
“During your visit, one of the follow-up items was to organize a forum during the Airline Economics whereby we can leverage our relationships with leasing companies’ leadership for you to meet and update them personally on the strides that the Federal Government of Nigeria is undertaking to improve the aviation industry.
“As we all agreed, in the presence of our Senior Vice President of Sales, it will be best if they heard from you firsthand.
“On our side, we are coordinating the efforts with lessors to firm up dates and timing for these meetings. We would like to keep the delegation small and focused on Nigerian airlines seriously considering leasing of aircraft in the next 24 months,” the letter further expounded.
The letter highlighted the importance for airlines to be well-prepared to present authentic business opportunities that will capture the interest of lessors.
