The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is actively pursuing the certification of China’s C919 aircraft for deployment by local airlines, reflecting deepening cooperation with Beijing and Nigeria’s ambitious plans to expand its aviation fleet.
Captain Chris Ona Najomo, the NCAA’s director general, shared with Reuters that the certification process is under review and could span several months, despite the jet lacking approval from Western aviation regulators.
COMAC, the Chinese manufacturer behind the single-aisle C919-developed to compete with Airbus and Boeing’s offerings-has been engaging Nigerian officials to promote its aircraft within the country.
While eager to penetrate the African aviation market, COMAC faces significant obstacles, including delays in aircraft deliveries and the absence of certifications from established Western regulatory bodies.
With ambitions to broaden its footprint across Africa, COMAC’s current models have yet to secure key Western certifications, and the company is struggling to meet its delivery schedules.
Complicating matters, the United States imposed a temporary suspension on exports of CFM engines-used in the C919-due to ongoing trade disputes.
As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria, with over 230 million residents, represents a promising and expanding aviation market.
Captain Najomo reiterated to Reuters that the NCAA is carefully evaluating the lengthy certification process required for the C919 to operate on domestic routes, emphasizing the lack of Western regulatory endorsement.
“Our starting point is the certification of the aircraft,” Najomo stated during the United Nations aviation assembly in Montreal.
He also noted that COMAC has proposed providing maintenance and training services to Nigerian airlines and is exploring dry lease options, which involve leasing aircraft without crew members.
“We advised them that facilitating a robust dry lease agreement would be preferable,” Najomo added.
Abdullahi Ahmed, CEO of Nigerian carrier NG Eagle, expressed interest in expanding his airline’s fleet beyond its current three jets and indicated willingness to consider COMAC aircraft, provided they come with adequate maintenance and training support.
Nigeria’s enhanced rating by the Aviation Working Group signals improved adherence to the Cape Town Convention, an international treaty that streamlines the leasing of aviation assets.
According to Najomo, this progress has increased lessors’ confidence, enabling Nigeria’s 13 airlines to more readily acquire modern aircraft through leasing arrangements.
Although air travel remains relatively expensive for many Nigerians, data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that average real airfares dropped by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023.
At present, the C919 is exclusively operated by Chinese airlines, while three Southeast Asian carriers fly COMAC’s smaller regional jet, the C909.
