The Government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines to establish a new national carrier, Air Bissau, marking a major step in the West African country’s efforts to strengthen air connectivity, boost economic growth and reduce reliance on foreign airlines.
The agreement, signed in Bissau by Guinea-Bissau’s Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr. Florentino Pereira, and the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, sets the framework for the creation of a jointly owned airline that will serve as the country’s official flag carrier.
Under the arrangement, Air Bissau will operate from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau, which will serve as its operational hub for domestic, regional and international services. United Nigeria Airlines will provide the bulk of the investment, aircraft, operational expertise and management support required to establish and run the airline.
The partnership is expected to address longstanding connectivity challenges in Guinea-Bissau, which has depended largely on regional carriers and charter operators for international air services. By establishing a national carrier, the government aims to strengthen trade, tourism and economic integration while enhancing the country’s presence in regional and global aviation markets.
As part of the agreement, Guinea-Bissau will designate Air Bissau as its official national carrier and grant it access to all traffic rights available under the country’s Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASAs). The move is expected to provide the airline with valuable route opportunities across Africa and beyond.
The government also pledged to facilitate the registration, licensing and certification processes for the new carrier through its civil aviation authorities, while providing the infrastructure support required for efficient operations, including access to airport facilities, customs, immigration, security and ground handling services.
Beyond airline operations, United Nigeria Airlines will support aviation capacity development in Guinea-Bissau through the training of local pilots, cabin crew and technical personnel. The airline also committed to employing qualified Guinean professionals where feasible in line with national employment policies.
In addition, the agreement provides for the Nigerian carrier to operate an executive aircraft for the President and Government of Guinea-Bissau, further deepening aviation cooperation between both countries.
Operational control, safety oversight and strategic management of Air Bissau will be handled by United Nigeria Airlines to ensure compliance with international aviation standards. Both parties also agreed to maintain comprehensive insurance coverage, conduct regular safety and maintenance audits, and establish measures to protect investments made under the partnership.
The MoU takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months or until a definitive joint venture agreement is concluded. The deal represents a significant regional expansion for United Nigeria Airlines and positions the carrier as a key participant in aviation development across West Africa, while offering Guinea-Bissau a fresh opportunity to establish a sustainable national airline capable of supporting the country’s long-term economic and connectivity ambitions.
