United Nigeria Airlines has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea Bissau to establish a new national carrier for the West African country, to be known as Air Bissau.
The agreement marks a major step toward strengthening Guinea Bissau’s aviation sector and improving air connectivity between the country, Africa, and international markets. The partnership will see Air Bissau developed through a joint venture structure involving United Nigeria Airlines and the Guinea Bissau government.
The MoU was signed in Bissau by Guinea Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr Florentino Mendes Pereira, and the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
Under the agreement, United Nigeria Airlines will provide key support for the airline’s development, including financial investment, aircraft, operational expertise, and management assistance. The Nigerian carrier will also oversee the operational direction of Air Bissau to support safety, efficiency, and reliable service delivery.
The proposed airline will operate from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, which will serve as its main operational base and hub for initial routes. The project is expected to reduce Guinea Bissau’s long dependence on regional airlines and charter services for international connections.
The agreement marks a major step toward strengthening Guinea Bissau’s aviation sector and improving air connectivity between the country, Africa, and international markets. The partnership will see Air Bissau developed through a joint venture structure involving United Nigeria Airlines and the Guinea Bissau government.
The MoU was signed in Bissau by Guinea Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr Florentino Mendes Pereira, and the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
Under the agreement, United Nigeria Airlines will provide key support for the airline’s development, including financial investment, aircraft, operational expertise, and management assistance. The Nigerian carrier will also oversee the operational direction of Air Bissau to support safety, efficiency, and reliable service delivery.
The proposed airline will operate from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, which will serve as its main operational base and hub for initial routes. The project is expected to reduce Guinea Bissau’s long dependence on regional airlines and charter services for international connections.
As part of the partnership, United Nigeria Airlines will also support the training of Guinean aviation professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, and technical maintenance personnel, while creating opportunities for local employment within the airline’s operations.
The Government of Guinea Bissau is expected to facilitate the registration and licensing process for Air Bissau and designate the airline as the country’s official national carrier, giving it access to existing bilateral air service agreements and supporting future regional and international expansion.
The agreement takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until a final joint venture agreement is completed.
The Government of Guinea Bissau is expected to facilitate the registration and licensing process for Air Bissau and designate the airline as the country’s official national carrier, giving it access to existing bilateral air service agreements and supporting future regional and international expansion.
The agreement takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until a final joint venture agreement is completed.
