Niger Govt partners Overland Airways to Launch flights operation

By Daniel Ebi,  Minna

The Niger state government at the weekend said it has finally  secured  partnership  to  commence scheduled flight operations from the newly inaugurated Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport, with Overland Airways Limited the pioneer airline partner.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo confirmed  this during the ground breaking development, while in Minna to finalize arrangements  for the inaugural  flights  operation.

He emphasized that from the schedule, the first flight will be connecting Minna to Abuja and Lagos, Nigeria’s political and commercial capitals.

According to him, the achievement comes through the visionary leadership of governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and the strategic efforts of the New Niger Development Project (NNDP) and New Niger Aviation (NNA), a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) created to manage and enhance the aviation ecosystem in Niger State.

Captain Boyo noted that the partnership with Overland Airways—Nigeria’s longest-serving private domestic airline represents a key milestone in actualizing Governor Bago’s infrastructural development blueprint and in positioning Niger State as a regional hub for investment, trade, and tourism.

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“We are honoured to be chosen as the launch airline for this historic route, “This service underscores our commitment to expanding connectivity across Nigeria and partnering with visionary governments like Niger State to bring growth closer to the people. We applaud Governor Bago and the NNA team for this bold and transformational move.” he stated.

Earlier, the Chief Operating Officer of NNA, Alhaji Liman Katamba Kutigi stated, “This launch is more than an air route, it’s a bridge to opportunity. By partnering with Overland Airways, we are setting a new standard in regional air connectivity, with safety, reliability, and economic impact at the center”

He added that this is the beginning of a broader agenda to transform Niger State into a key player in Nigeria’s aviation and logistics corridor.”

In their separate remarks, the Niger State Ministry of Transport, in collaboration with the NNDP, also noted: “The journey to make Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Airport operational has been long and deliberate from infrastructure in compliance with aviation standards. 

“We are proud to deliver a world-class airport that reflects Niger State’s potential and ambition. The Governor’s commitment has been relentless, and this milestone is just the beginning.”

The airline also announced the commencement of its online booking to enable potential passengers to book from the comfort of their home.

Consequently, Overland Airways is known for its excellence in regional air travel, and will operate these flights using its brand-new Embraer E-175 aircraft. The airline has maintained an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) registered since 2015 and operates a fleet that includes Embraer jets, ATR-42s, ATR-72s, and Beechcraft 1900 Ds respectively.