The federal government has stated that it is ready to partner with Magnus aircraft industry in Hungary to commence complete manufacturing of aircraft in Nigeria before the end of Muhammadu Buhari-led administration in 2023.
This was disclosed by Aviation minister, Hadi Sirika while on an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary.
He noted that the partnership is to assemble airplanes locally, from start to finish.
“If we venture with them, we may start with assembling plants and later manufacturing,” Sirika said.
Sirika explained that the Magnus aircraft has an aeroplane that is good for military training, has an aerobatic manoeuvre and is made of fully composite materials high strength and very lightweight.
The minister noted that aerobatics is the practice of flying manoeuvres involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flights. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport.
Sirika further expressed satisfaction with the features and more than willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in Nigeria, saying one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft is that it uses normal car petrol and outperforms any training aircraft of its kind”.
The minister who was at the facility on the invitation of the company said the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer will be subjected to further analysis to verify the market and government willingness to partner with a significant amount of money and logistics.
He emphasised that the local production of aircraft in the country will facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation superpower as it will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.