Aircraft Acquisition: Keyamo Signs MoU with Boeing to Aid Nigerian Carriers

*As DG, NCAA identifies factors responsible for in-flight safety operations

Chinedu Eze

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, yesterday signed a major memorandum of understanding (MoU) with one of world’s top aircraft manufacturers, Boeing, to facilitate the acquisition of modern aircraft by Nigerian airlines and tweak the aviation eco-system of the continent.
In his verifiable X handle, the minister disclosed that the MoU was signed in Seattle, Washington, US and the objectives include leveraging Boeing’s network of financiers and lessors to better position Nigerian airlines to acquire newer generation Boeing aircraft.

The objectives also include providing the airlines enhanced technical support to help them introduce new or used Boeing aircraft; provide them with training in airline operations and business models to enhance airline business practices.
According to Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales for Africa, “This agreement is an important step in establishing a sustainable civil aviation ecosystem in Nigeria as there is shared interest and value in driving innovation and progress.

“The importance of Nigeria for Boeing lies in its rich potential to foster economic growth, connect people, and shape the future of aviation in Africa and beyond.”
In another related development, the acting Director General, Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, has identified effective communication, teamwork, and decision-making among crew members as factors that can promote safety in flight operations.
Captain Najomo emphasized that the priority of NCAA is safety, but noted that it is also the responsibility of airlines and others who play roles in air transportation to support NCAA to ensure that flights operate safely in Nigeria’s airspace.

Najomo made this known while declaring open the Annual Cabin Safety Workshop themed ‘Culture, attitude and cabin safety’, in Lagos, yesterday, saying there should be a collective effort towards enhancing safety in the aviation industry.
Meanwhile, according the aviation minister Keyamo, other objectives in signing MoU with Boeing, include making available to the airlines Boeing Field Services Representation in Nigeria or close by as on-site support; provide leadership-development training to help airlines enhance their leadership pipeline; collaborate with airlines’ in-flight operations, maintenance, and engineering to enhance safety and operational efficiency.

Boeing will also collaborate with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) in close partnership with the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and regional regulators to enhance safety oversight in the region,
It will also provide consultation via Boeing’s Airports Engineering team to open and/or expand airport capabilities and advisory on Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) development.

This may be the culmination of the Minister’s tireless effort to help Nigerian carriers acquire modern aircraft through long term leasing or aircraft acquisition funded by international financial institutions at long term, single digit arrangement supported by the federal government.
The minister led a team of senior government officials and top executives of airlines and the MoU was signed by the minister and Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, thus marking a significant step forward enhancing the operational efficiency and safety of Nigerian airlines while positioning them for growth in the global aviation market.

Speaking at the occasion, the minister emphasized the importance of the MoU in supporting the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This partnership with Boeing represents a significant milestone in our efforts to modernize and enhance the capabilities of Nigerian airlines. The benefits of this MoU will be far-reaching, not only in improving the operational efficiency of our airlines but also in ensuring the safety and reliability of air travel in Nigeria,” he said.

On his part, Yitbarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa at Boeing, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “We are excited to work closely with Nigeria’s aviation stakeholders to deliver tailored solutions that will help Nigerian airlines thrive in the competitive global aviation landscape.
“This MoU underscores our commitment to supporting the growth and development of aviation in Africa.”
Boeing’s Commercial Market Outlook projects Africa will need 1,170 airplanes over the next two decades. Boeing airplanes have formed the backbone of Africa’s commercial fleet for over 75 years. More than 60 airlines operate around 500 Boeing airplanes throughout Africa, which represents nearly 70% of the airplane market across the continent.

In a statement signed by the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media, Tunde Moshood, the minister said the strategic MoU is expected to catalyze significant improvements in Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and operational standards, further positioning the country as a key player in the global aviation industry.

On his part, the NCCA Director General, represented by the agency’s Regional Manager, Lagos, Erelu Bukola Teriba, also said the Annual Cabin Safety Workshop, which adheres to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, is billed to provide participants with valuable insights into the responsibilities of cabin crew and other aviation professionals.

He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and improvement in maintaining a safe flight environment.

According to him, “Safety is an ongoing process; this workshop is a unique opportunity to learn and collaborate. By participating in this workshop, we can collectively contribute to a safer aviation industry.”

The cabin safety workshop, according to the Head, Cabin Safety Inspector, NCAA, Mrs. Maria Umoh- Ordor, focuses on the critical intersection of culture, attitude and safety in the aviation industry.

She noted that it also aims to equip cabin crew and safety professionals with the tools to overcome cultural biases and maintain the highest standards of professionalism.

Mrs. Odor emphasized the importance of transcending cultural norms and attitudes to prioritize safety.

“Culture is a way of life, and attitude reflects our behavior. As cabin crew and safety professionals, we must rise above these factors to become true professionals.

“We are committed to making this an annual event, by choosing a specific theme and speaker for each workshop and we can tailor the content to address the most pressing safety challenges,” she said.

The workshop, the first of its kind in several years, marked a significant milestone in aviation training. The previous workshop was held in 2016, and the COVID-19 pandemic forced a temporary interlude.

While speaking on the theme, the guest lecturer, Sir Paul Ogwuru, stated that culture and attitude constitute the tools for enhancement of cabin safety; stressing that a positive attitude is essential for cabin safety, and both contribute to overall safety ratings.

He added that aviation authorities like International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO and NCAA require airlines to regularly train cabin crew to ensure they are prepared to handle their duties both on the ground and in the air.

“Consequently, attitude becomes the rallying point and manifests as a connector to culture and cabin safety. These three are inseparable and this behooves organizations to be on the same page with regulatory bodies in this case the NCAA for the maintenance of its standards.

“Cabin crew are saddled with ensuring the safety, comfort and well-being of passengers”, she said.