Airbus Expresses Interest To Buy Nigeria’s Airports

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Largest aircraft manufacturers and leasers in the world, Airbus Group, will establish an operational office in Nigeria, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Denys Gauer, has disclosed.

Mr Gauer made this known when he visited the Minister of State for Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, in his Abuja office recently.

A statement signed on Thursday by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, Mr James Odaudu, explained that the ambassador said the decision of Airbus to start an office in Nigeria was a mark of confidence in the Federal Government’s agenda for the aviation industry.

Vice President of Airbus Group for Africa, Mr Vincent Larnicol, who was also present at the visit, disclosed that his company decided to set up its Nigerian office because the country remains a very big market for the aviation industry in Africa.

Mr Larnicol commended the FG for taking huge steps in growing the aviation industry and promised to work together with Nigeria in the establishment of an Aviation University through its Cooperation Programme.

The Airbus chief further said his company was also interested in the plans of government to concession four major airports in the country as well as the establishment of a national carrier.

In his remarks, the Minister expressed gratitude to the delegation for the visit. He echoed that it was because the government was getting things right in the sector.

Mr Sirika emphasised that the FG was determined to concession four major airports in the country to make them more viable and up to global standards as well as re-position domestic airlines to make them competitive and profitable.

He said Nigeria was ready to partner with all genuine investors.

According to him, the government was committed to the establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facilities and development of human capital for the anticipated expansion of the sector.