Nigeria is in talks with Qatar Airways and Airbus for set up of its national airline

Nigeria has reportedly engaged Qatar Airways as the main investor for its new national airline launching in late December 2018, with Airbus close to being selected as the supplier of aircraft to an undisclosed leasing company, who will in turn lease the aircraft to the airline.

Talks were also held with Boeing, who currently dominates West and Central Africa. Airbus, which aims to further establish itself in the region, will supply narrowbodies to the lessor if it's officially selected.

In the interim, Qatar Airways is expected to wet lease long-haul aircraft to the new national carrier.

The federal government also plans to concession the country's major airports, establish an aircraft leasing company, and establish a maintenance facility in the next year.

Nigeria's new national airline and aircraft leasing company are likely to be launched with financing from international banks, guaranteed by the government.