The Government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) to establish a national carrier for the West African nation. This initiative aims to significantly enhance Guinea-Bissau's aviation connectivity and economic integration.
Details of the Agreement
According to a statement released on Monday by UNA Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the proposed airline will be known as Air Bissau. It will be developed through a joint venture between the Government of Guinea-Bissau and United Nigeria Airlines, with operations expected to be based at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. The agreement was signed in Bissau by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr. Florentino Pereira, and Prof. Okonkwo on behalf of UNA.
Transforming Aviation Landscape
Prof. Okonkwo stated that this partnership is expected to transform Guinea-Bissau’s aviation landscape, ending decades of dependence on foreign airlines and charter operators for regional and international air connectivity. Under the terms of the MoU, United Nigeria Airlines will provide the bulk of the financial investment, operational expertise, aircraft, and management support required to establish and run the new national carrier. Additionally, the Nigerian airline will supply and operate an executive jet dedicated to the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau.
Joint Venture Structure
The agreement provides for the creation of a joint venture company that will operate as the country’s official national airline. United Nigeria Airlines will assume responsibility for operational management, strategic direction, and day-to-day control of the carrier. In return, the Government of Guinea-Bissau has pledged to facilitate the registration, certification, and licensing processes for Air Bissau through its Civil Aviation Authority. It will also work with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to ensure smooth regulatory approvals.
Official Designation and Route Rights
The statement added: “The government has pledged to designate the newly formed airline as the official national carrier of Guinea-Bissau, granting it full rights over all existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) entitlements. This designation would give the airline significant leverage in securing route rights and authorisations to regional and international destinations, which is an important commercial and diplomatic asset.”
Infrastructure Support
Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau will also receive the infrastructure support necessary to accommodate the new carrier’s operations, including access provisions, ground support, and assistance with customs, immigration, and security compliance. Furthermore, Guinea-Bissau has undertaken to invest in the establishment of the new airline and provide investment protection mechanisms through its existing investment and tax frameworks.
Training and Employment
As part of its obligations, United Nigeria Airlines will train qualified Guinean nationals in key aviation disciplines, including pilot training, cabin crew services, and aircraft maintenance. The airline also pledged to prioritise the employment of local personnel in line with the country’s labour policies.
Strategic Partnership
Both parties described the agreement as a strategic partnership that will not only strengthen aviation links within West Africa but also position Guinea-Bissau as an emerging player in the regional air transport sector. The MoU takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until the parties conclude a definitive joint venture agreement for the establishment and operation of Air Bissau.
