Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tassew has provided exclusive details about the airline's participation in the establishment of Nigeria Air, the proposed national carrier of Nigeria.
In an exclusive interview with journalists from Nigeria in Addis Ababa, Mesfin, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines, shed light on the airline's involvement in the proposed establishment of Nigeria Air, the national carrier of Nigeria. The CEO revealed that Ethiopian Airlines was initially invited by the Nigerian federal government to partner in setting up the airline, and despite initial reservations, the airline eventually agreed due to its longstanding relationship with Nigeria.
The Ethiopian Airlines CEO explained that while the shareholding structure of the partnership was being prepared, the airline received information that certain Nigerian companies and airlines were defaming Ethiopian Airlines and the federal government. “These entities had even obtained a court order to halt the establishment of Nigeria Air.” He stated that Ethiopian Airlines considered withdrawing from the project, but the Nigerian government insisted on continuing the process.
Mesfin clarified that Nigeria Air was already in the process of being established before Ethiopian Airlines was invited to participate. He emphasized that the national carrier would greatly benefit Nigerians, as the federal government acknowledged the lack of dependable airlines in the domestic and international markets. The presence of a strong and reliable national carrier would help improve the operational standards of existing airlines and provide more competitive options for Nigerian air travelers, according to the CEO.
"In May 2022, when I assumed my current position as Group CEO, the Nigerian government sent a request asking Ethiopian Airlines to participate in a bid and assist in setting up Nigeria's flag carrier. Initially, we were hesitant due to our other commitments, but the Nigerian government insisted that as an African airline, Ethiopian Airlines should help establish the national carrier. So, we respected their request and submitted a proposal," Mesfin explained.
He continued, "We received a letter from the Ministry of Aviation stating that Ethiopian Airlines had been selected as the partner to set up the airline. However, we later learned that some Nigerian companies, including airlines, were defaming and objecting to the establishment of the airline, tarnishing the reputation of both the government and Ethiopian Airlines."
Mesfin also recounted how Nigerian officials requested Ethiopian Airlines to paint one of their aircraft with the Nigerian logo for inspection by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. The airline complied, demonstrating its commitment to the project, he added. However, a change in government led to the temporary suspension of the Nigeria Air project, as new officials wanted to address public concerns and study the initiative further, according to him.
"We have no issues; we will not be disappointed if it is canceled. We are just there to help. And if the parties ask us to help, change their mind, change its strategy, we are fine with that. This is what we told the Minister; that we respect whatever decision of the Nigerian government," Mesfin underscored.
