The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has commenced discussions with the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, Carlos Garcete, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement between both countries and initiate direct flights between the duo.
This was contained in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, and made available to the media on Monday.
According to the statement, this strategic meeting follows the MoU signed between the two nations in 2018 aimed at boosting air connectivity and economic cooperation.
Moshood stated that during the discussion, the minister and the ambassador emphasised the need for new BASA arrangements to reflect current realities in the aviation world.
“This meeting stems from the mutual interests shared by President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where they agreed to reinitiate the BASA arrangements, recognising the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil,” Moshood stated.
Speaking on the importance of direct flights, the ambassador highlighted the potential for immediate commencement of flight services, noting that both nations could facilitate four to five flights per week.
“The introduction of direct flights will spark significant economic growth between our countries,” he stated.
He also noted the need to finalise the Open Skies Agreement to fully enable the proposed flights.
Moshood said the aviation minister, while expressing appreciation for the ambassador’s visit, expressed optimism about the potential economic impact of the BASA.
Quoting Keyamo, the statement said, “There are numerous similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will not only enhance trade but also strengthen cultural and social exchanges.”
The statement stated that Air Peace and Caverton had been designated to operate the route.
“To ensure the smooth finalisation of this initiative, both countries have agreed to set up committees to draft and finalise new BASA arrangements. The ambassador also extended an invitation to the minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria-Brazil relations.
“Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Caverton, have been designated to operate on this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two nations. With the operationalisation of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry is set for enhanced growth and expanded international reach,” the statement reads partly,” it stated.
Source/Punch
