BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines to establish a national airline, Air Bissau, in a move aimed at boosting the West African country’s connectivity and strengthening its aviation sector.
The agreement was signed in Bissau by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr. Florentino Mendes Pereira, and the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
The partnership is a major step for Guinea-Bissau, which has relied largely on regional airlines and charter operators for decades to connect its citizens and businesses with other countries.
Under the agreement, both parties will work towards creating a fully operational national carrier, with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau serving as the airline’s operational hub and base for its initial routes.
A key component of the arrangement is the establishment of a joint venture company that will operate as Guinea-Bissau’s designated national airline. United Nigeria Airlines will provide the majority of the financial investment, aircraft, operational expertise and management support required to launch and run the carrier.
The Nigerian airline will also provide and operate an executive jet for the use of the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau.
The government of Guinea-Bissau has committed to facilitating the registration and licensing of the new airline in line with local regulations.
It will also streamline approval processes through the civil aviation authorities of both Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria.
As part of the agreement, the government will officially designate Air Bissau as the country’s national carrier, granting it access to all existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) rights held by Guinea-Bissau.
The designation is expected to provide the airline with easier access to regional and international routes, enhancing its commercial viability and diplomatic reach.
The government further pledged to provide the infrastructure support required for the airline’s operations at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport.
This includes access to airport facilities, ground handling support, customs and immigration assistance, as well as security compliance measures.
In addition, Guinea-Bissau has undertaken to invest in the new airline and provide investment protection and incentives through its existing Investment Code and applicable tax frameworks.
For its part, United Nigeria Airlines will be responsible for developing local aviation capacity by training Guinean nationals as pilots, cabin crew members, engineers and technical maintenance personnel.
The airline also pledged to prioritise the employment of local staff wherever feasible, in line with the country’s labour and employment policies.
The MoU places the overall management, operational control and strategic direction of the proposed airline under the leadership of United Nigeria Airlines.
According to the agreement, this arrangement is intended to ensure safety, efficiency and reliability during the airline’s establishment and growth phases.
Both parties also agreed on several safeguards designed to protect the venture and ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
These include full liability and hull insurance coverage for flight operations, annual independent safety and maintenance audits, and investment protection measures to shield United Nigeria Airlines’ assets from adverse regulatory or policy changes.
Industry observers say the partnership could position Guinea-Bissau to play a more active role in regional aviation while providing new opportunities for trade, tourism and investment.
The MoU takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until both parties conclude a definitive joint venture agreement governing the establishment and operation of Air Bissau.
The planned launch of Air Bissau represents one of the most ambitious aviation development projects undertaken by Guinea-Bissau in recent years and further highlights the growing regional footprint of United Nigeria Airlines within the West African aviation market.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
