Nigerian firm wins N18b Air Force deal in S’Africa

 

A South African aviation company, AdoAir Aviation Group, owned by a Nigerian businessman, has won a luxury aircraft supply and maintenance contract worth about　 N18. 4billion　 from the South African Air Force (SAAF).

The deal, which covers five　 years, was sealed after a competitive bidding involving five other companies.

The South African Department of Defence　 has　 said the lease (Embraer Executive Jets) will supplement its depleting Air Force VIP squadron and will come with computer and satellite communication services, a conference cabin for about six and resting quarters for top government functionaries on board.

The Chairman of AdoAir Group, Adegboyega Olulade, said in Lagos that the multi-million dollar deal represents a vote of confidence of the South African government in the abilities and competence of Nigerian businessmen operating in the country.

AdoAir Aviation Group was formed in 2005 by Olulade, the founder of the Adonai Group with headquarters in Lagos. It operates out of Lanseria International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

In 2009, Olulade received a Nigerian Achievement Awards (South Africa) from President Jonathan for “symbolising the best values of Nigeria in the Republic of South Africa” at a ceremony attended by top Nigerian and South African　 dignitaries.

 

The spokesman for the South African Department of Defence, Ndivhuwo wa ha Mabaya, explained　 that the ageing air transport fleet has made it necessary for the government in Pretoria to charter flights for VIP air transport and has been expensive.

 

He said the present fleet of VIP planes are “very old and we don’t have the money to buy new planes.” The new Embraer luxury jets will be used when the Presidential jet, Inkwazi, is undergoing maintenance. The South African government spent a whooping sum　 last year on chartered flights for high-government officials.

AdoAir Aviation Group represents Embraer Jets in Africa as the sole supplier and maintenance organisation. AdoAir operations includes air charter, aircraft maintenance, consulting & sales, helicopter charter as well as a world-class private lounge at the Lanseria International Airport with one of the best skilled aviation and luxury lifestyle workforce team on ground.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He said the aircraft contract is a further testimony to the existing mutually beneficial economic ties between South Africa and Nigeria. The business lines between the two largest economies in Sub-Saharan Africa have grown tremendously in recent years, especially since the advent of civilian democracy in South Africa in 1994 and in Nigeria in 1999.

AdoAir business group in South Africa operates luxury real estate, agriculture farmlands in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
source : The Nation