Ethiopian Airlines has reportedly terminated its discussions with the Nigerian government to establish a joint venture airline, Nigeria Air, due to the government’s loss of interest in partnering with a foreign airline.

“The Nigerian government has lost interest in partnering with a foreign airline,” Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mesfin Tasew, said recently in Dubai.

Nigerian investors were expected to own 46% of the proposed airline, Nigeria Air, with the government holding the remaining 5%.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigerian government had not made any public statements about the issue

However, Tasew noted that this setback will not stop the Star Alliance member from developing JVs to establish sister airlines in Africa, where Ethiopian Airlines has an equity stake.

“We have been approached by several airlines in Africa for support, and we are evaluating them,” Tasew said.
Countries include the Democratic Republic of Congo as well as Equatorial Guinea.

Tasew said that meanwhile, Togo-based ASKY, in which Ethiopia holds a 40 per cent share, and Malawi Airlines, which was Ethiopia’s first JV, continue to do well.

Zambia Airways—in which Ethiopian Airlines holds a 45 per cent share—is also continuing to develop.