SAA loses Nigerian deal to Virgin

NOMPELO NDZIMELA VIRGIN ATLANTIC Airways has confirmed its appointment as Nigeria’s new technical partner and investor in new operator Virgin Nigeria Airlines, which will replace liquidated national carrier Nigeria Airways. South African Airways (SAA) was until recently a strong contender in the race. Nigerian aviation minister Isa Yuguda has confirmed the agreement which will see Virgin taking a 49% stake in the new operator while Nigerian investors will hold the remaining 51%. “We are delighted that the Nigerian government selected us as a partner and investor in preference to SAA,” Paul Moore, Virgin Atlantic director of corporate affairs told FTW from London headquarters last week. “There is much work to be done to create the new airline but we are looking forward to meeting such demands over the coming weeks,” he said. The Nigerian deal would have given SAA a valuable foothold in West Africa.