FG Considers Certifying China’s C919 Jet for Nigerian Airlines

The Federal Government is moving to expand Nigeria’s aviation fleet options by working on the certification of China’s C919 narrow-body jet for local carriers. The development signals a potential shift in the country’s reliance on Western-manufactured aircraft, as the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) begins discussions with China’s state-owned Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).

According to the NCAA, the process of certifying the aircraft is expected to take several months and will focus on ensuring the C919 meets safety, performance, and operational standards required for use on Nigerian domestic routes. The move could open the door for Nigerian airlines to acquire or lease the aircraft as part of efforts to modernize and expand their fleets.

COMAC’s C919 is designed to compete with Airbus’ A320 family and Boeing’s 737 series in the single-aisle market. It has been operating exclusively within China since its commercial launch but is seen by Beijing as a key tool to penetrate international markets, including Africa. Nigeria’s involvement would position it as a potential early adopter of the jet outside Asia.

China’s Bid for Africa’s Aviation Market

The engagement between Nigeria and COMAC reflects China’s growing interest in Africa’s aviation sector, which is projected to experience significant growth over the next two decades. By securing certification in Nigeria, COMAC could gain a foothold in the wider African market, particularly in West Africa, where air travel demand is rising.

However, challenges remain for the Chinese manufacturer. Industry observers note that COMAC’s two aircraft models still lack certifications from major Western aviation regulators, such as the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This has limited the jet’s global acceptance and slowed its rollout outside China.

The C919 program has also faced headwinds due to international trade tensions. Earlier this year, the United States temporarily restricted the export of CFM engines used in the aircraft, further complicating delivery schedules and slowing production targets. Despite these obstacles, COMAC continues to market the C919 aggressively to countries seeking alternatives to Western aircraft, offering training and maintenance support to attract new customers.

Boosting Fleet Modernisation in Nigeria

For Nigeria, certifying the C919 could strengthen the capacity of its 13 domestic airlines, many of which face challenges acquiring newer planes due to leasing costs and limited access to financing. Industry stakeholders believe the addition of a new aircraft option could improve competition, reduce maintenance costs, and increase operational reliability.

The NCAA has indicated that discussions with COMAC include the possibility of dry lease arrangements, which would allow airlines to lease the aircraft without crew and customize operations to suit their needs. Such arrangements could make it easier for Nigerian carriers to quickly integrate the C919 into service and meet growing passenger demand on busy domestic routes.

Nigeria’s domestic air travel market has seen steady growth over the past decade, even as economic pressures keep ticket prices high for many citizens. Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that average real airfare in Nigeria dropped by more than 40% between 2011 and 2023, boosting accessibility and encouraging more passengers to fly.

If the certification process is successful, Nigeria could become a test case for COMAC’s entry into Africa and potentially influence other countries to follow suit. For now, all eyes will be on the regulatory process, which must confirm the aircraft’s suitability for Nigerian conditions, including weather, airspace infrastructure, and technical support availability.