Ethiopian Airlines has emerged as the preferred bidder of the Nigeria Air, the Federal Government announced on Friday.
The Minister of Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika who disclosed this during a Press briefing said; ‘’The National Carrier, Nigerian Air will shuttle between Abuja and Lagos to establish a new comfortable, reliable and affordable travel between these two major Nigerian airports.’’
Sirika further explained that; “After a careful, detailed and ICRC governed selection process, Ethiopian Airlines (ET) Consortium has been selected as preferred bidder, offering an owner consortium of 3 Nigerian investors MRS, SAHCO and the Nigerian Sovereign Fund (46%),  Federal Government (FGN) owning 5% and Ethiopian Airlines (ET) 49%,”
“The National Carrier, Nigeria Air, is well on its way to being launched with three Boeing 737-800 in a configuration very suitable for the Nigerian market.’’
“Nigeria Air will launch with a shuttle service between Abuja and Lagos to establish a new comfortable, reliable and affordable travel between these two major Nigerian airports.’’
“Other domestic destinations will follow thereafter.”
When asked how Ethiopian Airlines won the bid the Minister of Aviation said; “A bidders’ conference was held online on 28th March, 2022 with over 100 participants. Over 60 parties requested access to the data room. On 10th June 2022 the ministry received on time one closed bid by the Ethiopian Airline Consortium. Few others attempted to submit, but unfortunately could not meet the deadline. Since we did not collect the bids, we are not in a position to say who they are.’’
“The evaluation Team, 11 Experts from ICRC, FMFB&NP, FMA and the TA met on the 20/21st July 2022 and again on 1st August 2022.’’
 “The Ethiopian Airline Consortium bid was formally opened in the presence of a representative of Ethiopian Airlines, checking that all envelopes were closed and sealed at that point, 11am on 20th July, starting with the Technical Bid. The Financial Bid was opened, again under the observation of the Ethiopian representative, on 21st July 2022.
“All 10 forms, as required by the RFP, were evaluated by the team. Unanimously, the assessment team cleared the Technical Bid, which had a total score of 89% out of 100.’’
Sirika noted that the Airline will be launched mid-November after approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).