Aviation experts in Nigeria have backed the proposed establishment of a regional airline by North-East Governors’ Forum (NEGF), saying the initiative could improve air connectivity, support economic recovery and facilitate the movement of passengers across the region.

They, however, cautioned that the success of the proposed carrier would depend on a viable business model, adequate funding, professional management and a thorough assessment of passenger demand.

The industry experts also warned against political interference and the use of public funds to sustain an unprofitable operation.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Transmeridien Agency International Ltd., Peter Adenihun, in an interview with The Guardian over the weekend in Lagos, said that the North-East required better air connectivity, particularly as the region continued to recover from years of insecurity and economic disruption.

According to him, the region remained poorly connected by air, with limited direct flights between its major cities and a heavy dependence on connections through Abuja and Lagos.

He noted that travellers seeking to move between cities such as Gombe and Maiduguri often had to connect through Abuja.

He insisted a reliable regional airline could reduce travel time, improve business interactions and provide an alternative when road transportation became difficult.

He added: “The region already have airports in Maiduguri, Yola, Gombe, Bauchi and Jalingo that can support improved air services, although their potential remained underutilised.

“Agriculture, livestock, mining and commerce are some of the sectors that can benefit from better passenger and cargo connections, particularly as the North-East pursued reconstruction and economic development.”

He, however, warned that the airline could struggle financially if the promoters adopted the conventional model of establishing a government-owned carrier without adequate consideration for operating costs and passenger demand.

Also, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Shery Kyari, supported the proposed airline.

He posited that the airline when it comes onboard, could improve mobility within the region and create additional economic opportunities if the business were managed professionally.

He said the experiences of some states that had ventured into airline operations provided grounds for considering the initiative, but stressed that the governors must allow the proposed carrier to operate as a commercial enterprise.

“My view on state-owned airlines is to encourage them to do a lot of feasibility studies and go into it when the studies turn positive.

“Also, the state government should consider aircraft Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities alongside airline operations. The maintenance businesses can provide employment for residents and generate revenue.”

Kyari insisted that the entry of more operators could also stimulate activity at underutilised airports and expand employment opportunities across the aviation value chain.

Besides, a former Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Sidi Abdullahi, said the proposed carrier could help address connectivity gaps and improve services for passengers who frequently experience flight disruptions and inadequate scheduling.

He argued that some existing operators advertise schedules that exceeded the capacity of their serviceable aircraft, making it difficult to operate all planned routes reliably.

According to him, the resulting disruptions often leave passengers stranded and frustrated, creating an opportunity for a regional operator capable of providing dependable services.

He added that a properly managed regional carrier could complement existing airlines rather than simply compete with them on established routes.

Managing Director, Aviation Africa Plate-Forme, Dr Frank Ogochukwu, however, urged the North-East governors to approach the proposal with caution.

He declared improved connectivity must be supported by a credible commercial plan.

Ogochukwu pointed out the region deserved better air services, but warned that the availability of start-up capital alone would not guarantee the airline’s survival.

Ogochukwu noted that the reported N10.8 billion counterpart contribution by the governors demonstrated commitment to the project, but represented only part of the financial requirements of establishing and operating an airline.

He advised the governors to determine how the proposed carrier would finance aircraft acquisition or leasing, maintenance, insurance, personnel, aviation fuel and working capital.

He also called for an independent feasibility study to establish the level of demand on each proposed route and warned that passenger traffic from Maiduguri or Yola to Abuja and Lagos should not be used as a proxy for demand between cities within the North-East.