He clarified that the aircraft was chartered from Ethiopian Airlines specifically for the purpose of unveiling the logo. Mr Olumide further explained that Nigeria Air has not yet obtained an operating license for full flight operations and that the necessary processes are still in the early stages.
The acting Managing Director emphasised that the aircraft was used temporarily while the airline completes the required processes for operation. His primary mandate is to secure an air operating certificate for the airline, rather than directly operate the airline itself.
Mr Olumide compared the chartered flight to individuals chartering an aircraft for private purposes, such as a destination wedding, without needing a license for that specific flight.
Regarding the unveiling of the logo, Mr Olumide clarified that since 2018, only pictures and drawings of Nigeria Air had been shared, not an actual aircraft.
The purpose of bringing in the chartered aircraft was to showcase the appearance of the real aircraft and allow institutional investors to see what they would be investing in.
He mentioned that these investors, who are not from the aviation industry, commit their funds for extended periods and thus wanted to have a visual representation of the aircraft.
However, the unveiling of the logo on social media led to misconceptions that Nigeria Air had been officially launched. Mr Olumide acknowledged that there were individuals within the aviation industry who could have clarified the situation, but they chose not to intervene at the time.
In response to the committee's concerns, Sen. Biodun Olujimi, the Chairman, expressed disappointment that the former Minister of Aviation did not involve the committee and other stakeholders in the Nigeria Air project. The committee members had extended invitations for meetings, demonstrating respect and interest in the project, but were not adequately engaged by the former minister.
Moving forward, the Senate Committee on Aviation aims to collaborate with the current management of Nigeria Air to ensure transparency and effective communication throughout the development and operational phases of the airline. The committee emphasised the importance of involving stakeholders and ensuring that all processes comply with regulatory requirements.
The Nigeria Air project remains a focal point of attention, as the government and stakeholders work towards establishing a robust national carrier that adheres to international standards. The involvement of the Senate Committee on Aviation reflects the commitment to oversight and accountability in the aviation sector. As the necessary procedures progress, it is expected that Nigeria Air will continue to engage stakeholders, address concerns, and work towards obtaining the required licenses to commence operations as a Nigerian registered airline.