Bombardier To Partner Nigeria On Facility Maintenance

In a bid to curb the problem of ferrying aircraft abroad for
checks, Bombardier, the world’s third largest aircraft manufacturing company
has promised to partner Nigeria in providing aircraft maintenance facility in
the country.

The Vice President, Public Affairs, Communications and
Corporate social Responsibility of the company, Helene Gagnon said Bombardier
would facilitate the establishment of maintenance facility in Nigeria.

Gagnon who was speaking when top management team of the
company received a delegation of the Federal ministry of Aviation, led by the
Minister, Mrs Stella Odual – Ogienwonyi at the company’s facility in Canada
said Bombardier would work out modalities with the Nigerian aviation
authorities to facilitate the acquisition of short and medium range aircraft
from the company.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser
(Media), Joe Obi, Gagnon said Bombardier was pleased with the visit of the
delegation and the willingness of the Nigerian government to work with the
company in the development of the aviation sector in Nigeria.

She said that the company was ready to play a major role in
replenishing a newer fleet for domestic airline operators in Nigeria and
expressed the hope that both parties would agree on the modalities as soon as
possible.

In her speech, Oduah said that Nigeria was desirous of
having maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in the country to
cushion the adverse effect on domestic operators who take their aircraft
overseas for maintenance.

She stressed that the absence of Bombardier in Nigeria in
spite of its presence in Africa meant that the company was harnessing a small
segment of its market on the continent and assured the company of a good return
on investment if Nigeria was chosen as a maintenance hub in Africa.

Stories By Reward Akwu