FG spearheads aviation revival in Dublin as Keyamo eyes bigger feet, cheaper fares

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has led a high-powered Nigerian delegation to the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Conference in Dublin, Ireland, as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to deepen global aviation engagement and advance sector reforms.

The presidency confirmed the move in a statement released Friday, highlighting strategic talks aimed at modernizing airline fleets and slashing air travel costs for Nigerians.

Keyamo’s team engaged top global aircraft lessors and financiers, including AerCap and Afreximbank.

Discussions zeroed in on expanding leasing options, securing tailored financing, and bolstering the proposed National Aircraft Leasing Company (NALC).

“The engagements included strategic discussions with leading global aircraft lessors and aviation financiers, alongside meetings with AerCap and Afreximbank focused on expanding aircraft leasing opportunities, unlocking structured financing solutions, and supporting the proposed National Aircraft Leasing Company (NALC),” the statement noted.

These steps target faster fleet expansion, better regional links, tougher airline competition, and tangible benefits like “more routes, increased flight frequencies, lower airfares, and improved service reliability.”