Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is considering certifying China’s C919 jet, a move that could open doors for Nigerian airlines to add the aircraft to their fleets and expand domestic routes.
The C919, built by China’s state-owned manufacturer COMAC, is designed to compete with popular models like the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320.
The jet is currently only flown by Chinese airlines but is seeking entry into new markets, including Africa.
NCAA Director General, Capt. Chris Ona Najomo, confirmed that the agency is reviewing the certification process.
“We’re looking at the certification of the airplane.
That is the first step,” Najomo told Reuters during the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Assembly in Montreal.
If successful, this would allow Nigerian airlines to operate the C919 on domestic and regional routes, despite the jet not yet receiving certification from Western regulators like the FAA or EASA.
COMAC has offered Nigeria training, maintenance, and leasing support for airlines willing to adopt the C919. The company is exploring dry lease arrangements, where airlines lease the planes without crew, to make it easier for Nigerian carriers to add the aircraft to their fleets.
“If they can provide a good dry lease arrangement and proper support, it will help our airlines access the planes,” Najomo said.
Nigerian carrier NG Eagle, which currently operates just three aircraft, has expressed interest in acquiring the C919 if certified.
“Fleet expansion is key to meeting growing demand,” said Abdullahi Ahmed, CEO of NG Eagle. “We are open to COMAC planes provided they come with strong maintenance and training support.”
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with over 230 million people, is seen as a major growth market for aviation. According to IATA data, airfares have dropped by 43.6% between 2011 and 2023, making air travel more accessible to more Nigerians.
The country’s improved rating with the Aviation Working Group has also boosted investor and lessor confidence, allowing the nation’s 13 airlines to access newer planes on favorable leasing terms.
Despite growing interest, COMAC faces several hurdles:
The C919 lacks certification from Western regulators, which may slow international adoption.
Delivery targets are running behind schedule.
The U.S. earlier this year temporarily halted exports of the CFM engines used on the C919 amid trade tensions.
Still, COMAC sees Nigeria as a gateway to Africa’s wider aviation market.
If Nigeria certifies the C919, it could mark a major milestone for COMAC and diversify Nigeria’s aviation sector beyond reliance on Boeing and Airbus. For passengers, it could mean cheaper tickets and more flight options in the near future.
