Nigeria's Allied Air receives first converted 737 for vaccine deliveries.

The technologically advanced cargo aircraft will be deployed to COVID-19 vaccines distribution across Nigeria as one of its first missions, as it is fitted to deliver medical supplies safely.

The deal was financed through the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) intervention fund but structured and delivered by the Access Bank Plc.

Nigeria’s minister of aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika; the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Godwin Emefiele and the Access Bank Group managing director, Mr. Hubert Wigwe and the managing director of Allied Air, Capt. Val Tongo, along with other government officials received the aircraft greeted by a water canon ceremony at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

Speaking at the brief ceremony at Abuja Emefiele said the aircraft is funded through the intervention fund of the CBN, but via Access Bank."

"Only about three weeks ago, the aviation ainister commissioned another aircraft for Air Peace. What does that mean? With the hard work, the Nigerian Aviation Sector is opening up more and more, and investments are coming in."

He called on other investors to invest in the aviation sector, assuring that the CBN and the Nigerian banks are ready.to support them.

Hadi Sirika said the "aircraft will be dedicated to cargo and the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines across the country. Before the vaccines arrive, the cargo shade would be ready and the aircraft is also ready for distribution."

Capt Tongo said Allied Air has set a new standard in air cargo operation in terms of fleet upgrade in the region that is dominated by ad hoc operators and use of old aircraft for cargo operations.

Allied is a member airline of IATA and was the first cargo airline in Africa to attain the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. The airline has successfully renewed its IOSA certificate consecutively since 2016.
 

Caption: L-R: Mr. Hubert Wigwe, the Access Bank Group Managing Director; Mr. Godwin Emefiele, the Central Bank of Nigeria Governor, Sen. Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation; Capt. Val Tongo Managing Director of Allied Air and Capt. Musa Nuhu, Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority during the reception of the newly-acquired B737-800SF in Abuja (Image: Allied Air)