A new Nigerian Airline ‘Green Africa Airways’ is set to commence operations as it has reached the final stage of certification. The Airline which is a low-cost carrier promises to reshape the aviation industry with its state-of-the-art aircraft.
Regulatory sources hinted that promoters of the carrier are putting finishing touches to secure the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), a mandatory regulatory prerequisite before any scheduled carrier could take off.
In October 2020, Green Africa had formed a strategic partnership with First City Monument Bank (FCMB), which yielded $31 million in a combination of standby letter of credit and rolling working capital, and to ensure the Airline remains at the top in its operations it has sent its pilot and cabin crew members on type- rating training.
The planned unveiling of its crew uniform tagged “The Runway” will be made public soon.
According to a source at NCAA, “the airline is serious. They mean business and could start soon, as they are close to acquiring the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC)”.
This stance corroborates the statement of the Director-General of NCAA late last year when he said the country could witness more four airlines in 2021.
Green Africa ordered fifty A220-300s from Airbus and also committed to leasing an additional three of the aircraft type from leasing company, GTLK Europe. This was in February 2020.
Green Africa isGreen Africa is owned by Babawande Afolabi. Its leadership team includes two well-experienced leaders in the global aviation industry, Neil Mills – President/Chief Operating Of ficer , Kiran Koteshwar – Chief Financial Officer andother group of senior industry leaders led by Tom Horton, former Chairman & CEO of American Airlines, Wale Adeosun, Founder & CEO of Kuramo Capital, William Shaw, CEO of InterJet, Virasb Vahidi, former CCO of American Airlines and Gbenga Oyebode, Founder & Chairman of Aluko & Oyebode.