Guinea-Bissau Seals Deal with United Nigeria Airlines to Launch National Carrier, Air Bissau

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The Republic of Guinea-Bissau has taken a major step towards reviving its presence in global aviation after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines for the establishment of a new national carrier, to be known as Air Bissau.

The agreement, signed in the Guinean capital, Bissau, marks the beginning of what both parties described as a transformative partnership designed to strengthen the country’s connectivity with Africa and the wider world, while laying the foundation for a sustainable aviation industry.

The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Guinea-Bissau by the Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr Florentino Mendes Pereira, while the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, signed for the Nigerian carrier.

For many years, Guinea-Bissau, one of West Africa’s smaller economies, has relied heavily on regional airlines and charter services to provide air transport links for passengers and businesses.

The absence of a national airline has limited the country’s ability to fully exploit opportunities in trade, tourism and international commerce.

However, the new partnership with United Nigeria Airlines is expected to reverse that trend through the creation of Air Bissau, which will operate from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, designated as the airline’s operational headquarters and hub for its initial services.

The agreement provides for the establishment of a joint venture company that will operate as Guinea-Bissau’s official flag carrier.

Under the arrangement, United Nigeria Airlines will make the majority of the financial investment and provide the operational know-how, aircraft and management expertise necessary to ensure the success of the venture.

In addition to developing the national carrier, the Nigerian airline will also provide and operate an executive jet to serve the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau.

As part of its obligations under the agreement, the Government of Guinea-Bissau has committed to facilitating the registration and certification of the airline in line with national laws and international standards.

The authorities also pledged to streamline the approval and licensing processes through the Civil Aviation Authority of Guinea-Bissau and in collaboration with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

Significantly, the government has undertaken to designate Air Bissau as the country’s official national carrier and transfer to it all rights and privileges associated with existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs).

This designation is expected to provide the new airline with access to valuable traffic rights and authorisations for regional and international destinations, enhancing its competitiveness and creating opportunities for future expansion.

The government further promised to provide critical infrastructure support at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport. This includes facilitating access to airport facilities and ensuring support in areas such as ground handling, customs, immigration and security compliance to enable smooth operations.

Beyond infrastructure, Guinea-Bissau has also undertaken to invest in the new company and create a favourable investment climate through existing investment protection laws and tax incentives aimed at encouraging long-term growth.

The Memorandum of Understanding places responsibility for the overall management, operational control and strategic direction of Air Bissau in the hands of United Nigeria Airlines.

The Nigerian carrier will oversee the airline’s operations with a view to ensuring safety, efficiency and reliability in accordance with international aviation standards.

United Nigeria Airlines also committed itself to developing local aviation manpower through the training of Guinean citizens as pilots, cabin crew members and aircraft maintenance engineers.

The airline pledged to employ qualified local personnel wherever possible, in line with the government’s labour and employment policies.

The agreement incorporates several provisions intended to safeguard both parties and ensure the long-term viability of the project.

Among the measures outlined are comprehensive liability and hull insurance coverage for all flight operations, annual independent audits of safety and maintenance procedures to guarantee compliance with global aviation standards, and mechanisms to protect the investments of United Nigeria Airlines in the event of adverse policy or regulatory changes.

The MoU came into force immediately upon signing and will remain valid for 18 months or until both parties conclude a more comprehensive joint venture agreement.

The deal represents a significant milestone for United Nigeria Airlines as it expands its footprint beyond Nigeria and positions itself as a key player in the development of aviation across West Africa.

For Guinea-Bissau, the agreement signals a fresh chapter in the country’s aviation history and reflects its determination to establish a viable national carrier capable of boosting trade, tourism and economic development, while enhancing the country’s connectivity with the rest of the continent and the international community.

If successfully implemented, Air Bissau will become one of the latest additions to Africa’s growing list of national carriers and could emerge as an important gateway linking Guinea-Bissau to key destinations across Africa and beyond.