Guinea-Bissau Partners United Nigeria Airlines to Establish National Carrier, Air Bissau
The Government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines to establish a new national carrier, Air Bissau, in a landmark move aimed at strengthening the country’s air connectivity and enhancing its integration with regional and international markets.
The agreement, signed in the capital city of Bissau, signals the beginning of a strategic partnership between the West African nation and one of Nigeria’s leading commercial airlines. Both parties described the initiative as a major step towards transforming Guinea-Bissau’s aviation sector and improving links with the rest of Africa and beyond.
The MoU was executed on behalf of the Government of Guinea-Bissau by the Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr Florentino Mendes Pereira, while the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, signed for the Nigerian carrier.
For decades, Guinea-Bissau has depended largely on regional airlines and charter operators to provide air links for its citizens and businesses.
However, the new partnership seeks to change that by creating a fully operational national airline with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau serving as the operational hub and base for its initial routes.
Under the terms of the agreement, a joint venture company will be established to operate as Guinea-Bissau’s official national airline.
United Nigeria Airlines will hold majority financial investment in the venture and will provide operational expertise, aircraft and management support for the carrier.
In addition to operating the commercial airline, United Nigeria Airlines will also provide and manage an executive jet dedicated to the use of the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau.
The Guinea-Bissau government, on its part, has undertaken to facilitate the registration and licensing of the new carrier in accordance with domestic regulations and to streamline approval processes through both the Civil Aviation Authority of Guinea-Bissau and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
Authorities in Bissau have further pledged to designate Air Bissau as the country’s official national carrier, granting it access to all existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) rights.
The designation is expected to strengthen the airline’s position in securing route approvals and operating rights to regional and international destinations, thereby providing it with significant commercial and diplomatic advantages.
As part of its commitments, the government will also provide infrastructure support at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport to facilitate the airline’s operations. This includes access to ground handling facilities, customs and immigration support, security compliance measures and other operational requirements.
The administration has equally committed itself to investing in the creation of the airline and establishing mechanisms to safeguard and encourage investment through existing legislation and tax incentives.
United Nigeria Airlines, meanwhile, has pledged to develop local capacity by training qualified Guinean nationals, including pilots, cabin crew and aircraft maintenance personnel.
The airline also promised to prioritise the employment of local workers wherever feasible, in line with government policies.
According to the MoU, the overall management, operational control and strategic direction of the new carrier will remain under the authority of the management team of United Nigeria Airlines to ensure safety, reliability and operational efficiency.
The agreement also provides for a series of safeguards designed to protect both parties and maintain international standards. These include comprehensive liability and hull insurance coverage for flight operations, annual independent safety and maintenance audits, and mechanisms aimed at protecting United Nigeria Airlines’ assets and investments against adverse regulatory or policy changes.
The Memorandum of Understanding takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until a substantive joint venture agreement is concluded.
The development marks a significant expansion for United Nigeria Airlines beyond Nigeria and represents a bold effort by Guinea-Bissau to establish a sustainable national aviation presence capable of stimulating economic activity, facilitating trade and tourism, and enhancing the country’s global connectivity.
