In a major development set to reshape West Africa’s aviation landscape, the Government of the Republic 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.
The agreement was formally signed in the capital, Bissau, marking the beginning of a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the country’s air connectivity, boosting regional integration, and expanding international access for trade, tourism, and investment.
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Guinea-Bissau by Dr. Florentino Mendes Pereira, Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, while Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, represented the Nigerian carrier.
A New National Carrier Vision
For decades, Guinea-Bissau has relied heavily on regional airlines and charter operations to connect its citizens and businesses to other parts of Africa and the world. The new agreement seeks to change that trajectory through the creation of a fully operational national airline anchored at Osvaldo Vieira International Airport, Bissau, which will serve as the airline’s primary hub.
Under the framework of the MoU, both parties will develop a joint venture structure that will operate as the country’s official flag carrier, Air Bissau.
United Nigeria Airlines is expected to play a central role by providing majority financial investment, operational expertise, aircraft support, and executive management leadership to ensure the airline’s successful establishment and sustainability.
Strategic Government Support and BASA Rights
A key component of the agreement is Guinea-Bissau’s commitment to formally designate Air Bissau as its national carrier, granting it access to existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) entitlements. This move is expected to significantly enhance the airline’s ability to secure regional and international route rights, strengthening both commercial viability and diplomatic air links.
The government also pledged to facilitate swift registration and licensing processes through its Civil Aviation Authority, in coordination with Nigeria’s aviation regulators, to ensure regulatory alignment and operational efficiency.
Additionally, Osvaldo Vieira International Airport will receive infrastructure upgrades and operational support, including enhanced ground handling, customs coordination, immigration facilitation, and aviation security systems.
Human Capital Development and Local Participation
A major feature of the partnership is capacity building. United Nigeria Airlines has committed to training Guinean aviation professionals, including pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and technical maintenance personnel.
The agreement also emphasizes local employment, with priority given to qualified Guinean nationals in line with national employment policies and workforce development objectives.
Operational Control and Safety Framework
For safety, reliability, and operational consistency, the MoU stipulates that overall management and technical control of Air Bissau will rest with the management structure of United Nigeria Airlines.
Both parties have also agreed to implement strict aviation safeguards, including full liability and hull insurance coverage, as well as annual independent safety and maintenance audits to ensure compliance with international aviation standards.
Investment protection mechanisms have also been included to safeguard United Nigeria Airlines’ financial and operational commitments against potential regulatory or policy changes.
Government Investment and Incentives
The Government of Guinea-Bissau has further committed to supporting the new airline through investment facilitation frameworks under its national Investment Code and tax incentive structures. These measures are designed to encourage long-term sustainability and attract additional aviation sector investment.
Timeline and Future Outlook
The MoU takes immediate effect and will remain valid for 18 months, or until a comprehensive joint venture agreement is finalized and operational rollout is completed.
Industry observers say the deal represents one of the most significant cross-border aviation partnerships in West Africa in recent years, with potential to reposition Guinea-Bissau as a more connected and competitive air transport hub.
Guinea-Bissau has signed an MoU with United Nigeria Airlines to establish a new national carrier, Air Bissau, in a landmark 18-month aviation partnership aimed at improving connectivity, boosting trade, and expanding international air access.
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