Nigerian carriers may soon find it easier to access aircraft, as a Frankfurt-based Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) has entered into a strategic partnership with Fidelity Bank Plc to drive leasing and acquisition in the sector.

The deal, unveiled at the maiden Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition and Investment Summit in Lagos on Thursday, signalled a shift from the capital-intensive model of outright aircraft purchases to a more flexible lease-rental structure aimed at expanding fleet capacity for domestic operators.

The Executive Director, Fidelity Bank, Stanley Amuchie, said the collaboration combines the bank’s financing strength with AFG’s technical and sourcing expertise, creating a platform that lowers entry barriers for airlines.

He explained that under the arrangement, AFG would identify and source aircraft tailored to the operational needs of airlines, while Fidelity Bank would provide the required financing, allowing operators to pay lease rentals instead of making outright purchases.

According to him, the initiative was expected to unlock opportunities for new entrants and support the expansion plans of existing carriers.

“Aviation is an industry where technical know-how is non-negotiable. By bringing AFG’s sourcing capabilities together with our ability to provide structured finance, we are enabling operators to access aircraft without the burden of huge upfront capital.

“You don’t have to wait until you have all the money to buy an aircraft. With lease rentals, operators can scale their business and build capacity over time,” he said.

Amuchie noted that Fidelity Bank has already played a significant role in supporting the aviation sector, including financing major domestic carriers such as Air Peace, particularly at a time when lenders were reluctant to back the industry.

He added that the new partnership would deepen such interventions and position Nigeria as a potential aviation hub on the continent.

Also speaking, Director-General, Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the partnership as a major development for the industry.

He emphasised that the collaboration would accelerate fleet expansion among local carriers.

Besides, he said more aircraft are expected to enter the Nigerian market within the next five to six months as operators leverage the new financing structure.

“Better and more modern aircraft are already coming in, and we expect more operators to take advantage of this initiative,” he assured.

Aviation analyst Chris Amokwu said the move could help address longstanding challenges, including limited access to aircraft financing, high operating costs, and fleet shortages, which have constrained the growth of Nigeria’s aviation sector.

With the new leasing framework, Amokwu emphasised domestic airlines may be better positioned to expand routes, improve service delivery and compete more effectively within Africa’s increasingly liberalised air transport market.