“We’re eager to explore opportunities’ — aircraft producer seeks expansion into Nigeria

 

In order to expand its manufacturing activities into Nigeria, Diamond Aircraft, an aircraft manufacturer with headquarters in Austria, says it is looking for local partners.

This was revealed by Bin Chen, the chairman of Diamond Aircraft, during a recent visit by his team to Hadi Sirika, the Aviation Minister.

The development coincides with new requests from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the Nigerian government to permit the repatriation of the $743 million in income from international airlines.

The federal government and foreign airlines operating in the nation have been at odds over the trapped funds.

IATA had previously warned that the growing backlog of blocked cash from foreign airlines would deter potential investors from entering the Nigerian market.

At the discussion with Sirika, Chen stated that his business is keen to investigate the possibilities in the nation.

In order to ensure that our aircraft reach the highest standards of quality, he stated, "We are looking for a partner who can help us bring our aircraft to the Nigerian market."

"We think this is a fantastic possibility, and we are ready to investigate it.

We're eager to learn more about the possibilities of the African market and to connect with regional partners that can support our efforts to grow our business in Nigeria.

We are enthusiastic to contribute to Nigeria's growth since we think it has a lot of promise.

According to Sirika, the company's development plans will improve the nation's aviation sector.

He claimed that Nigeria's regulatory practices are adaptable.

Nigeria is the greatest site for you because you are in the middle of Africa and can't produce for Africa by traveling to the coast, according to the minister.

"Our criteria for civil aviation is also quite flexible. Therefore, the Nigerian government is eager for you to arrive and establish.

In Nigeria, there is a sizable charter industry, and an hourly rate for a hired aircraft ranges from $9000 to $12,000. Thus, Nigeria has a sizable market. Therefore, you are not in Africa if you are in Africa but not in Nigeria.

Sirika added that the business's interest in Nigeria is consistent with the new

Sirika went on to say that the new maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility that had just been constructed through partnerships in the nation is in line with the company's interest in Nigeria.

He continued by saying that Nigeria is well-equipped to meet the maintenance requirements of the aviation industry, as the nation is home to over 14,000 aircraft engineers and mechanics.

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