Nigeria and Germany have taken fresh steps to strengthen their aviation relations, by reviewing and ratifying existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA), following plans by the German aviation group to further expand its operations in Nigeria.
The agreements were reached, when the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received a delegation from the Lufthansa Group in his office, in Abuja.
The delegation, which comprised Alexandra Dietzen-Zill, Senior Manager, Aeropolitical Relations & Traffic Rights, Lufthansa Group, and Walid Mahmud, Sales Executive, Lufthansa Technik, Aero Alzey, focused on the existing BASA between Nigeria and Germany, signed in 2010.
According to the delegation, the BASA is due for ratification and updating to reflect the current realities of the aviation relationship between both countries.
Speaking during the meeting, Dietzen-Zill commended the minister for the significant reforms and initiatives being undertaken to reposition Nigeria’s aviation sector. She particularly highlighted the accession to and implementation of the Cape Town Convention, describing the development and other ongoing reforms as important steps in strengthening confidence in the Nigerian aviation market and recognising the country’s strategic position within the global aviation industry.
She noted that the Lufthansa Group remains interested in a stronger and more modernised aviation framework between Nigeria and Germany.
According to her, the German Ministry of Transport is currently reviewing the existing BASA with a view to reaching a conclusion on its revision and eventual ratification.
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The Lufthansa Group delegation also informed the minister of plans to introduce Eurowings, another Lufthansa Group carrier, into the Nigerian market, with operations expected to commence next year. The airline, she explained, is expected to operate Boeing 737-series aircraft, further expanding air connectivity between Nigeria and Germany.
The discussion also provided an opportunity to explore broader areas of cooperation and the creation of a more conducive environment for sustained investment and airline operations.
Responding, the minister welcomed the Lufthansa Group delegation and expressed appreciation for Lufthansa’s longstanding presence and strong operations in Nigeria.
The minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to creating an aviation environment that supports legitimate investment, promotes connectivity and encourages international airlines to deepen their operations in Nigeria.
Keyamo assured the Lufthansa Group representatives of his readiness to support the airline within the ambit of his mandate, noting that the Ministry remains open to constructive engagement with international aviation stakeholders seeking to expand their operations and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He further stressed that the administration is committed to policies that enhance investor confidence, strengthen bilateral aviation relationships and position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
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