Qatar Airways (QR, Doha Int'l) is reportedly in talks with the Nigerian government over the possibility of it participating
in the country's tentative new national carrier, Nigerian Eagle (NG, Lagos).
Quoting unnamed sources, Nigeria's Punch says
the talks are at an advanced stage. “The government is discussing with
Qatar Airways to become a major partner to establish the national
carrier. Although government is talking to a couple of foreign airlines,
Qatar Airways seems to have been lined up
among the carriers that could likely emerge a key partner to the
government on the project. Of course, it will partner with Aero Contractors (NG, Lagos),”
the source said. Abuja had also reportedly propositioned both Air France (AF, Paris CDG) and Lufthansa
(LH, Frankfurt Int'l)
but both declined the offers. Meanwhile, doubts have arisen over who
will assume the near NGN67billion (USD500million) in debts owed by
Nigerian Eagle's constituent
carriers, Aero Contractors and Air Nigeria (VK, Lagos).
Aero was taken over by the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON)
in late 2012 while Air Nigeria has been inoperative since suspending
flights in October 2012. Nigerian Eagle has unofficially acquired one
aircraft, a B737-500, 5N-BLC (msn 26692), that has
been surreptitiously parked at Lagos awaiting its official unveiling
source ch-aviation
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