NIGERIA MASTERWEB DAILY NEWS

By Lateef Lawal

A new schedule airliner - Air Midwest Nigeria is to debut shortly with the delivery of its Boeing737-500, expected in the country in a fortnight. According to industry sources, the airline in addition to the expected aircraft already painted upon delivery at the British Airways hangar in London would add more planes in due course. Other planes on future delivery list include, one other Boeing737-500 and a Boeing737-300.

The Boeing737-500 purchased through an American company-GECAS, is the first of its model to be acquired by a Nigerian carrier. The Air Mid-West B737-500 which currently carries British registeration number-G-GFFH, is to be given Nigerian registeration number 5N-PVA upon delivery.

Photo Above: An Airborne Plane

Air Midwest Nigeria management has almost concluded arrangements for the ferrying of the aircraft to Nigeria, from the BA hangar paint shop where its unique logo was embossed on the tail of the aircraft. The airline which chose "Safety, Our Pride" as its slogan with a capital base of N500 million, is expected to recapitalize to the tune of N1 billion upon entry into the domestic market with the aim of operating regional routes later.

The Imo State Government of Nigeria, it was learn't has substantial sharehold in the airline. When contacted on the latest development, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Captain Victor Aigbokhan declined comment. He later said that as soon as the airline took delivery of the plane for its operation, the management would adequately inform the public on its mission in the air transport sector and the package it has for its customers.

The Boeing737-500 has a seating capacity of 110-all business class with 7 hours flight endurance, meaning that it can fly direct from London-Lagos without stopover.

Lateef Lawal ( NigerianAviationNews )