NCAA: ‘Aviation Sector Ready for Fleet Expansion, Lower Airfares’

Nigeria’s aviation industry is on the verge of a major transformation, with a surge in aircraft acquisition expected to boost capacity and drive down ticket prices, the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Chris Najomo, has said.

Najomo in his presentation at the Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit, held at the weekend in Lagos, said that strategic financial backing from institutions such as Fidelity Bank, particularly its support for Air Peace, had helped to stabilise and expand airline operations in the country.

The NCAA boss stated that other financial institutions are equally stepping into the aviation financing space, signalling a broader industry shift.

According to him, the Federal government’s aviation reforms, driven by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, were beginning to yield results, with visible improvements expected within the next six months.

He projected a significant increase in fleet size across Nigerian airlines, noting that operators are now acquiring newer generation aircraft from global manufacturers such as Boeing, Embraer and Bombardier.

He expressed that the expansion was not limited to commercial airlines alone, but extended to the private jet segment, reflecting growing investor confidence in the sector.

He further explained that the NCAA had issued between seven and eight Air Operators’ Certificates (AOCs) in the last six to nine months, compared to the past when intending operators went through difficult periods to acquire AOC.

He said: “You will see more aircraft coming in; better aircraft, modern aircraft. They are already coming into the country.

“We are improving ease of doing business without compromising safety. Safety regulations must still be followed.”

The anticipated increase in operational capacity is expected to open up previously underserved routes, including regional connections across West Africa, Najomo said.

On pricing, the NCAA boss expressed optimism that increased fleet size and competition would naturally lead to lower airfares.

“We had no capacity before. Now airlines that had two or three aircraft are expanding to six, seven, or eight. Ultimately, prices of tickets will come down,” he added.

Najomo mentioned Air Peace as the country’s largest carrier, with a fleet exceeding 20 aircraft, describing it as a key driver of domestic aviation growth.