Qatar Airways in talks with Nigeria over partnership in new carrier

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