Nigeria’s civil aviation authority is evaluating certification of China’s COMAC C919 for use by domestic airlines, its director general said, as carriers expand fleets and ties with Beijing deepen.
Capt. Chris Ona Najomo told Reuters on the sidelines of the U.N. aviation agency’s assembly that the regulator is weighing the months-long process to approve the narrow-body jet for Nigerian operations, despite the absence of validations from Western regulators. “We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” he said.
COMAC has held several rounds of talks with Nigeria and, according to event organizers, plans to display an aircraft at the country’s first international air show in December.
To support potential operators, COMAC officials have offered maintenance and training packages and are exploring dry-lease options, Najomo said. “If they can facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it’s better,” he noted.
Abdullahi Ahmed, CEO of Nigerian carrier NG Eagle, said the airline aims to grow beyond its current three jets and would consider COMAC aircraft if certified and backed by robust maintenance and training.
Nigeria’s improved Aviation Working Group rating—reflecting stronger compliance with the Cape Town Convention—has lifted lessor confidence, helping the country’s 13 airlines access newer leased aircraft. While fares remain high for many travelers, IATA data show average real airfares fell 43.6% between 2011 and 2023.
COMAC, which is positioning the C919 against Airbus and Boeing models, still faces hurdles, including limited certifications outside China and supply-chain strains. The jet is currently operated by Chinese airlines.