Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has started talks with Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, in accordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and start direct flights between Brazil and Nigeria.
According to a statement released on Monday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser for Media and Communications to Keyamo, the meeting was held in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding that was signed in 2018 between the two countries to increase economic cooperation and air connectivity.
Direct Flights Between Nigeria And Brazil Scheduled To Start Operating Under BASA Arrangements.
Nigeria, Brazil To Activate Direct Flights Under BASA Arrangements
Throughout the conversation, both envoys emphasised how new BASA regulations are required to take into account the realities of the aviation industry today.The reason for this meeting was the common interests that President Tinubu and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil had when they met in Addis Ababa in February 2024. In recognition of the cultural and economic links between Nigeria and Brazil, they decided to revive the BASA agreements.
Ambassador Garcete emphasised the possibility of an instant start to flight services when discussing the significance of the direct flights, pointing out that both countries could support four to five flights every week.
The aviation minister echoed the optimism regarding the potential economic impact of the BASA, even as he expressed gratitude for the ambassador’s visit.The Minister stated, “There are many similarities between Nigeria and Brazil, and the activation of these flights will enhance trade as well as strengthen social and cultural exchanges.”
Both nations have decided to form committees tasked with creating and approving new BASA arrangements in order to guarantee the initiative’s seamless completion.In addition, the ambassador invited Keyamo to Brazil for the official agreement signing, which would be a historic turning point in the relationship between Brazil and Nigeria.
The designation of Air Peace and Caverton as the two Nigerian airlines authorised to fly on this route highlights the strategic alliance between the two countries even more.