The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) says it is considering certifying China’s new C919 passenger jet, a step that could pave the way for Nigerian airlines to operate the aircraft on domestic routes.
NCAA Director-General, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, confirmed the move in an interview with Reuters during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal.
“We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” Najomo said, adding that the process could take several months and would proceed even without validation from Western regulators.
The C919, developed by China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), is built to compete with Boeing and Airbus in the narrow-body market. However, the aircraft faces hurdles, including the absence of certification from Western authorities and earlier disruptions to engine supply caused by U.S. export restrictions.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation has recently indicated that Abuja is open to COMAC establishing a base in the country as a springboard into the African market. With over 230 million people and a growing aviation sector, Nigeria is regarded as a strategic hub for regional expansion.
Organisers of Nigeria’s first international air show, scheduled for December, confirmed that COMAC plans to showcase one of its aircraft at the event.
Najomo disclosed that COMAC had offered maintenance and training support for Nigerian operators, alongside leasing arrangements. He noted that dry leases, which provide aircraft without crew, would be the preferred option to help local carriers expand fleets cost-effectively.
Abdullahi Ahmed, Chief Executive of NG Eagle, said his airline was considering adding to its three-jet fleet and would look at COMAC aircraft if certification and technical backing were assured.
Nigeria’s recent improvement in its Aviation Working Group rating, reflecting compliance with the Cape Town Convention on aircraft leasing, has already enhanced investor confidence and enabled airlines to access newer planes through lease deals.
Although high costs remain a concern for passengers, International Air Transport Association (IATA) data shows average real airfares in Nigeria dropped 43.6 percent between 2011 and 2023.
At present, the C919 is operated only by Chinese airlines, while COMAC’s smaller ARJ21 regional jet is in service with carriers across China and parts of Southeast Asia.
