The government of Guinea-Bissau has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Nigeria Airlines to establish a new national carrier to be known as AIR BISSAU, in a move aimed at strengthening the country’s aviation connectivity across Africa and beyond.
The agreement was signed in the capital, Bissau, by the Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr. Florentino Mendes Pereira, on behalf of the government, and by the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
Under the partnership, both parties will collaborate to develop a fully operational national airline, with Osvaldo Vieira International Airport designated as the initial hub for operations and route development.
For decades, Guinea-Bissau has relied on regional carriers and charter services for international air travel. The new agreement is expected to reshape its aviation sector by introducing a structured national airline framework.
According to the MoU, the proposed carrier will operate as a joint venture, with United Nigeria Airlines providing majority financial investment, operational expertise, aircraft, and management support. The Nigerian airline will also provide executive jet services for the President and government of Guinea-Bissau.
On its part, the Government of Guinea-Bissau has pledged to facilitate regulatory approvals, licensing, and registration of the new airline in line with domestic aviation laws. It will also coordinate with both the Civil Aviation Authority of Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria’s aviation regulator to streamline approvals.
The government further agreed to designate AIR BISSAU as the country’s official national carrier, granting it access to Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) rights, which would enable the airline to secure regional and international route operations.
Infrastructure upgrades are also expected at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, including ground support systems, customs facilitation, immigration coordination, and security enhancements to support the new airline’s operations.
In addition, the government committed to supporting investment protections and incentives under its national investment framework, while participating in the creation of the airline as a state-backed enterprise.
United Nigeria Airlines, for its part, pledged to train Guinean aviation professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, and maintenance engineers, and to prioritise local employment in line with national labour policies.
Operational control and overall management of the airline will rest with United Nigeria Airlines, according to the agreement, with both parties citing safety, efficiency, and international compliance as key priorities.
The MoU also includes strict safeguards, such as full insurance coverage for flight operations, annual independent safety audits, and investment protection mechanisms to mitigate risks from regulatory or policy changes.
The agreement takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months, or until a comprehensive joint venture agreement is finalised between both parties.
