Diamond Aircraft, an aircraft manufacturer, has announced that it is looking for a local partner who can help it to obtain a licence to produce aircraft in Nigeria.
According to the firm, this is as it sets out to establish a presence in the country. The Chairman, Diamond aircraft, Bin Chen, disclosed this when his team met the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, recently.
“We are looking for a partner who can help us bring our aircraft to the Nigerian market and ensure that they meet the highest standards of excellence.
“We believe that there is a great opportunity here and we are eager to explore it.” The firm stated that it is ready to invest in the African market and believes in the potential for growth.
The firm added, “We are excited to explore the potential of the African market and to meet with local partners who can help us establish a strong presence in Nigeria.
“We believe that Nigeria has great potential for growth, and we are eager to be a part of that growth.”
Commenting on the firm’s expansion plans, Sirika, stated that this would boost the aviation industry in the country.
He said, “You are in the centre of Africa and since you are producing for Africa, you cannot go to the coast to produce, so, Nigeria is your best location.
“We also have a very flexible civil aviation requirement. So, the government of Nigeria is welcoming you with open arms to come and set up.
“There is also a lot of charter business in Nigeria and a chartered aircraft is between $9000 to $12,000 per hour. So, there is a huge market in Nigeria. So, if you are in Africa and you are not in Nigeria, then you are not in Africa.”
He also said it aligns with the new Maintenance Repair and Overhaul facility that had just been established through partnerships in the country.
He noted that with over 14,000 aircraft engineers and mechanics in the country, Nigeria is well-equipped to handle the maintenance needs of the aviation industry.
