By Stuart Todd 10/08/2023Can a new Nigerian carrier, 49%-owned by Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s most successful, transform the hamstrung air cargo market in the continent’s most populous nation? Nigeria Air will launch in early October with two wide-bodied and six narrow-bodied aircraft, Ethiopian CFO Mesfin Tasew told Bloomberg TV. “Nigeria is a big country, big economy, but unfortunately, it doesn’t have a strong airline.”He said despite Ethiopian Airlines having just a 49% share, it would have a management contract. He added: “Effectively, Ethiopian Airlines will manage this airline to be successful.”He said Ethiopian had a proven management model, citing the setting up of Asky Airlines under a joint-venture in Togo, “which today is the most successful regional airline in Africa”. Local air cargo stakeholders highlight a current import-to-export airfreight ratio of 87:13, in favour of imports.

Source: Ethiopian News August 10, 2023 11:14 UTC