The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has issued a resounding endorsement of Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, hailing him as a divinely appointed leader destined to revitalize the nation’s aviation sector. The AON’s vice president, Allen Onyema, released a statement praising Keyamo’s proactive and reform-oriented approach since his appointment in August 2023, asserting that President Tinubu’s selection of Keyamo demonstrates astute judgment in placing the right individual in a position of critical national importance. The AON emphasized the Minister’s commitment to supporting and sustaining local airline businesses, a key component of his five-point agenda, and lauded his focus on upholding international standards within the industry. They characterized Keyamo as possessing an exceptional understanding of the challenges confronting domestic airline operators, coupled with the political will necessary to enact meaningful change.
Keyamo’s leadership, according to the AON, has already begun to reposition Nigeria’s aviation industry on the global stage, projecting a positive image of the country’s potential. The AON highlighted the anticipated arrival of dry-leased aircraft in the coming weeks, a development facilitated by the Minister’s initiatives, which is expected to empower Nigerian airlines to expand their fleets more efficiently and affordably. This access to dry-leased aircraft represents a significant step towards addressing the capacity constraints that have historically hampered the growth of local airlines. The AON commended the Federal Government’s shift in approach from blaming airlines for capacity limitations to actively seeking solutions, viewing this as a hallmark of genuine leadership and pragmatic patriotism.
The AON’s enthusiastic support for Keyamo stems from his demonstrable commitment to bolstering the Nigerian aviation sector. His five-point agenda places a strong emphasis on nurturing local airlines, enabling them to compete effectively on both domestic and international fronts. This focus represents a departure from previous administrations, which often viewed local airlines with skepticism and placed less emphasis on their development. Keyamo’s understanding of the unique challenges faced by Nigerian carriers, including access to financing, infrastructure limitations, and regulatory hurdles, has resonated deeply with the AON. They see in him a leader who not only recognizes these challenges but is also actively working to overcome them.
The impending arrival of dry-leased aircraft, facilitated by Keyamo’s efforts, is viewed as a game-changer for the industry. Dry leasing allows airlines to acquire aircraft without the significant capital outlay required for outright purchase, making fleet expansion more accessible and financially viable. This will enable Nigerian airlines to increase their capacity, offer more routes and frequencies, and ultimately enhance their competitiveness. The AON sees this as a direct result of Keyamo’s proactive engagement with industry stakeholders and his dedication to creating an environment conducive to growth.
The AON’s praise for Keyamo extends beyond his specific policies to encompass his overall leadership style. They describe him as a dynamic and decisive leader who is not afraid to tackle difficult issues. His willingness to engage with industry players and seek practical solutions has earned him the respect and admiration of the AON. They view him as a breath of fresh air in a sector that has often been characterized by inertia and a lack of clear direction. Keyamo’s vision for a vibrant and globally competitive Nigerian aviation sector is shared by the AON, and they have pledged their full support to his efforts.
The AON concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to collaborating closely with the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to foster a competitive, safe, and sustainable aviation sector in Nigeria. They pledged to continue their partnership with the Ministry, working towards the implementation of global best practices and the achievement of operational excellence. The AON’s unwavering support for Keyamo underscores their belief that he is the right person to lead the Nigerian aviation industry into a new era of growth and prosperity. They are confident that his leadership will transform the sector, making it a source of national pride and a key driver of economic development.
