FG moves to certify China’s C919 Jet for Nigerian airlines

The Federal Government is working on certifying China’s C919 passenger jet for use by Nigerian carriers, according to the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Ona Najomo.

Speaking to Reuters on the sidelines of the UN aviation agency’s assembly in Montreal, Najomo explained that the process could take months, as it involves detailed certification before the aircraft can operate on domestic routes.

The C919, built by Chinese planemaker COMAC, is China’s answer to Western giants Airbus and Boeing in the narrow-body aircraft market. Nigeria has held several discussions with COMAC about introducing the plane into the country, with the company offering training, maintenance support, and exploring dry lease arrangements for Nigerian operators.

“We’re looking at the certification of the airplane. First of all, that is where we have to start,” Najomo said. He added, “We just told them that if they can make sure they facilitate a good dry lease arrangement, it’s better.”

Najomo noted that the talks have boosted confidence among lessors, opening opportunities for Nigeria’s 13 airlines to access newer planes in the leasing market.

Despite this, COMAC faces hurdles in expanding beyond China. Its aircraft models currently lack certification from Western regulators, it has struggled to meet delivery targets, and earlier this year, the U.S. temporarily halted exports of the CFM engines used on the C919 due to trade tensions.

Currently, the C919 is flown only by Chinese airlines.