The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has renewed calls for innovative aircraft leasing solutions, flexible financing structures and practical pathways for fleet renewal to enable Nigerian airlines access modern, fuel-efficient aircraft.

A statement on Tuesday by the media assistant to the minister, Tunde Moshood, said that Keyamo made the call while leading a high-powered Nigerian delegation to the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global Conference in Dublin.

Speaking during a series of strategic engagements on the margins of the conference, the minister said Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda prioritises fleet modernisation as a critical driver of safety, efficiency and airline competitiveness.

According to him, limited access to affordable financing and leasing arrangements had continued to constrain fleet expansion and renewal among Nigerian carriers, underscoring the need for stronger partnerships with global lessors and financial institutions.

The statement hinted that a major highlight of Nigeria’s participation was a high-level meeting with Aercap, aircraft leasing company, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Angus Kelly.

The statement said that discussions focused on long-term collaboration to support Nigerian airlines with tailored leasing models, flexible financing options, and structured pathways for fleet replacement.

The minister insisted that such arrangements would allow Nigerian operators to acquire newer-generation aircraft that offer lower fuel consumption, reduced maintenance costs and improved operational reliability.

Keyamo noted that access to modern aircraft would not only enhance safety standards but also reduce operating costs and position Nigerian airlines to compete more effectively on regional and international routes.

The statement added that the Nigerian delegation also met with Afreximbank executives, led by Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President for Intra-African Trade and Export Development, and Helen Brume, Director and Global Head, Project and Asset-Based Finance.

“Talks centred on leveraging structured finance, risk-mitigation tools and trade-enhancing instruments to support fleet development and airline sustainability,” the statement said.

Members of the delegation included the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo; Director of Air Traffic Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Ahmed Tijani and airline chief executives such as Toyin Olajide of Air Peace; Dr. Obiora Okonkwo of United Nigeria Airlines and George Urensi of Ibom Air.