The Government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) to establish a national carrier for the West African nation.
The aim is to major step towards enhancing the Guinea-Bissau aviation connectivity and economic integration.A statement on Monday by the Chairman, UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said that the proposed airline, to be known as Air Bissau, would be developed through a joint venture between the Government of Guinea-Bissau and the United Nigeria Airlines, with operations expected to be based at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau.

The agreement was signed in Bissau by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr Florentino Pereira and Okonkwo on behalf of UNA.
Okonkwo said that the partnership was expected to transform Guinea-Bissau’s aviation landscape, ending decades of dependence on foreign airlines and charter operators for regional and international air connectivity.

Under the terms of the MoU, United Nigeria Airlines would provide the bulk of the financial investment, operational expertise, aircraft and management support required to establish and run the new national carrier, The Nigerian airline would also supply and operate an executive jet dedicated to the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau.The agreement provides for the creation of a joint venture company that would operate as the country’s official national airline, with United Nigeria Airlines assuming responsibility for operational management, strategic direction and day-to-day control of the carrier.

In return, the Government of Guinea-Bissau, the statement hinted, had pledged to facilitate the registration, certification and licensing processes for Air Bissau through its Civil Aviation Authority, while also working with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure smooth regulatory approvals.

The statement added: “The government has pledged to designate the newly formed airline as the official national carrier of Guinea-Bissau, granting it full rights over all existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) entitlements.

“This designation would give the airline significant leverage in securing route rights and authorisations to regional and international destinations which is an important commercial and diplomatic asset.”

Also, Bissau’s Osvaldo Vieira International Airport would also receive the infrastructure support necessary to accommodate the new carrier’s operations, including access provisions, ground support, and assistance with customs, immigration and security compliance.Besides, Guinea-Bissau has undertaken to invest in the establishment of the new airline and provide investment protection mechanisms through its existing investment and tax frameworks.

As part of its obligations, United Nigeria Airlines would train qualified Guinean nationals in key aviation disciplines, including pilot training, cabin crew services and aircraft maintenance.
The airline also pledged to prioritise the employment of local personnel in line with the country’s labour policies.

Both parties described the agreement as a strategic partnership that would not only strengthen aviation links within West Africa, but also position Guinea-Bissau as an emerging player in the regional air transport sector.
The MoU takes immediate effect and would remain valid for 18 months or until the parties conclude a definitive joint venture agreement for the establishment and operation of Air Bissau.