According to reports, the Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Chris Najomo, stated that they are considering flight certification for the C919 large passenger aircraft, manufactured by China’s COMAC, on Nigerian routes. This move signifies a major African nation’s recognition of China’s large aircraft technology.

In recent years, Nigeria’s national airline had planned to expand its fleet to 30 aircraft by 2025, exploring more diversified purchasing options, including the C919. Najomo mentioned that although the C919 has not yet received approval from Western regulators, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is considering initiating a certification process for the C919 to operate on domestic routes, which could take several months.

Najomo said that China is prepared to provide maintenance and training support for all aircraft operated by Nigerian airlines and is exploring “dry lease” arrangements, which involve leasing aircraft without crew. “If they can ensure well-structured ‘dry lease’ arrangements, that would be even better.”

Najomo shared this information during an interview at the International Civil Aviation Organization assembly in Montreal, Canada. Reports indicate that Nigeria’s improved rating in the Aviation Working Group reflects its increased compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the most important and widely applied international treaty for aircraft sales, leasing, and financing. Najomo noted that this progress has boosted lessors’ confidence, enabling the country’s 13 airlines to acquire newer aircraft from the leasing market.

Completing the certification will deepen cooperation between Nigeria and China in the aviation sector, including pilot training and component production. Currently, the C919 is only operated by Chinese airlines. If this collaboration proceeds, it will mark a significant breakthrough in the internationalization of the C919 model.

Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is the statutory regulatory body for civil aviation in Nigeria, established to oversee and enforce safety and security standards in the country’s aviation industry. It was created in 1999, succeeding the former Civil Aviation Department, to ensure Nigeria’s compliance with international aviation regulations set by organizations like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

C919

The C919 is a narrow-body passenger jet developed by the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) as a key project in China’s aviation industry. Its development began in 2008, with the first flight occurring in 2017, aiming to compete with aircraft like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. It represents a major milestone in China’s efforts to become a global leader in aerospace manufacturing.

COMAC

COMAC (Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd.) is a Chinese state-owned aerospace manufacturer established in 2008. Its primary goal is to develop large passenger aircraft to compete with industry leaders like Boeing and Airbus, as part of China’s strategic push into the global aviation market. Its most notable projects include the C919 narrow-body airliner and the ARJ21 regional jet.

International Civil Aviation Organization

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations, established in 1944 by the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Chicago Convention). Its primary purpose is to manage the administration and governance of the Convention and to promote the safe, efficient, and orderly development of international civil aviation worldwide.

Montreal

Montreal is a major city in the Canadian province of Quebec, founded in 1642 as a French Catholic missionary settlement called Ville-Marie. It grew into a vital hub for the North American fur trade and later became a center of industry and finance. Today, it is known for its vibrant cultural scene, historic architecture like Old Montreal, and its status as one of the world’s largest French-speaking cities.

Canada

Canada is a vast North American country with a rich history shaped by Indigenous peoples, French and British colonization, and subsequent waves of immigration. It became a self-governing dominion in 1867 and is now known for its multicultural society, stunning natural landscapes, and modern, prosperous cities. Key historical developments include its role in the fur trade and its peaceful evolution to full sovereignty.

Aviation Working Group

The Aviation Working Group (AWG) is a not-for-profit global organization composed of major aircraft manufacturers, leasing companies, and financial institutions. It was established to develop and maintain policies, regulations, and legal frameworks that facilitate advanced financing and leasing for aircraft. Its work is historically significant for standardizing global aviation contracts, such as the Cape Town Convention, which reduces risk and promotes investment in the aviation industry.

Cape Town Convention

The Cape Town Convention is an international treaty that establishes a legal framework for securing financing and leasing of high-value mobile equipment, particularly aircraft objects. It was adopted in 2001 to address the need for a predictable international system for creditors, reducing risk and cost in asset-based financing. By creating an international registry for security interests, it has significantly facilitated cross-border transactions in the aviation industry.