In a continued effort to make aircraft leasing accessible to airline operators in Nigeria, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development has visited the popular aircraft manufacturing company, Embraer, in Brazil.

His visit is also scheduled to discuss a possible direct airline link between Nigeria and South America.

This was made known in a statement by the minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, which was made available to journalists on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Moshood said the minister’s trip was in adherence to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to establish a direct air route between Nigeria and South America.

Recall that the Federal Government last year signed the Cape Town Convention, a treaty that further enhanced lessors’ confidence in Nigeria’s airline operator.

Moshood said the minister landed in Brazil on Monday, in the company of the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt Chris Najomo, and representatives of local Nigerian airline operators.

The statement noted that the heart of the visit is a high-level engagement with the global aircraft manufacturer and lessor, Embraer, at its headquarters in São José dos Campos, São Paulo State.

Embraer, a renowned leader in regional aircraft production, is collaborating with the Nigerian delegation to explore avenues for strengthening Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem through enhanced access to modern aircraft, favourable leasing options, and a network of credible financiers.

“We had extensive discussions with Embraer on how they can support our aviation sector with their vast network of lessors and financial institutions. The goal is to empower Nigerian operators with the tools and partnerships necessary for growth and expansion,” the statement quoted the minister.

Also making an attempt at actualising its second objective, the minister and his entourage scheduled another meeting with his Brazilian counterpart, the Minister of Ports and Airports, Sílvio Costa Filho.

“Central to the agenda is the review and adjustment of the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and Brazil to allow for the immediate commencement of direct flight operations between the two countries,” the statement stated.