The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has initiated discussions with Brazil’s Ambassador to Nigeria Carlos Garcete to activate the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two countries and begin direct flights between the two countries.
This is contained in a statement signed by the minister’s media aide Tunde Moshood and published on Monday by The Punch.
According to the statement, the strategic meeting follows a memorandum of understanding signed between the two countries in 2018 aimed at strengthening air connectivity and economic cooperation.
Moshood said that during the discussion, the minister and the ambassador emphasized the need for a new BASA agreement that reflects the current situation in aviation.
“This meeting arose out of the common interests shared by President Bola Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva during a meeting in Addis Ababa in February 2024, where both parties Recognizing the cultural and economic ties between Nigeria and Brazil, we have agreed to restart the BASA Agreement,” Moshood said.
The ambassador spoke about the importance of direct flights, pointing out the possibility that the two countries could facilitate four to five flights per week, and highlighting the possibility of an immediate start of air services.
“The introduction of direct flights will foster significant economic growth between the two countries,” he said.
He also noted that the Open Skies Agreement needs to be finalized to fully enable the proposed flights.
Aviation Minister Moshood expressed his gratitude for the ambassador’s visit, while expressing optimism about BASA’s potential economic impact.
Quoting Keyamo, the statement said: “Nigeria and Brazil have many similarities and the activation of these flights will not only facilitate trade but also enhance cultural and social exchanges. ” he said.
Air Peace and Caberton have been appointed to operate the route, the statement said.
“To ensure the smooth completion of this initiative, the two countries agreed to establish a committee to draft and finalize the new BASA arrangement. He invited the Minister to visit Brazil for the formal signing of the agreement to commemorate the milestone.
“Two Nigerian airlines, Air Peace and Cabberton, have been designated to operate this route, further underscoring the strategic partnership between the two countries. With the operationalization of this agreement, the Nigerian aviation industry will “We plan to strengthen our growth and expand our international reach,” the statement reads in part.
