As part of preparations to float the proposed national carrier, Nigeria Air, the Federal Government on Friday announced Ethiopian Airlines as the preferred bidder.
Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, said the national carrier, Nigeria Air will be launched with Boeing 737-800 (NG) aircraft, followed thereafter with B787 aircraft for international operations.
He expressed hope that the airline would be launched mid-November after approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Speaking on the status of the airline, the minister said: “The National Carrier, Nigeria Air, is well on its way to being launched with three Boeing 737-800 in a configuration very suitable for the Nigerian market.
“Nigeria Air will launch with a shuttle service between Abuja and Lagos to establish a new comfortable, reliable and affordable travel between these two major Nigerian airports.
“Other domestic destinations will follow thereafter.”
On how they arrived at the highest bidders, Sirika said: “A bidders’ conference was held online on 28th March, 2022 with over 100 participants. Over 60 parties requested access to the data room. On 10th June 2022 the ministry received on time one closed bid by the Ethiopian Airline Consortium. Few others attempted to submit, but unfortunately could not meet the deadline. Since we did not collect the bids, we are not in a position to say who they are.
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“The evaluation Team, 11 Experts from ICRC, FMFB&NP, FMA and the TA met on the 20/21st July 2022 and again on 1st August 2022.
“The Ethiopian Airline Consortium bid was formally opened in the presence of a representation of Ethiopian Airlines, checking that all envelopes were closed and sealed at that point, 11am on 20th July, starting with the Technical Bid. The Financial Bid was opened, again under the observation of the Ethiopian representative, on 21st July 2022.
“All 10 forms, as required by the RFP, were evaluated by the team. Unanimously, the assessment team cleared the Technical Bid, which had a total score of 89% out of 100.
Source: The Nation
