In a bid to reshape its aviation landscape, Guinea-Bissau has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines to establish a national carrier. The agreement, concluded on 6 May 2026 in Bissau, marks a strategic push to strengthen air connectivity and reduce reliance on foreign operators. The West African nation aims to strengthen connectivity and reduce long-standing dependence on external carriers.
Guinea-Bissau, United Nigeria Airlines MoU national carrier deal
The MoU was signed on behalf of the Government of Guinea-Bissau by Minister of Transport, Telecommunications and Digital Economy, Dr. Florentino Mendes Pereira, and on behalf of United Nigeria Airlines by Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, the Executive Chairman of the airline.
Officials described the agreement as a turning point for the country’s aviation sector. One statement from the signing noted it “marks the beginning of what both parties have described as a pivotal partnership.” The government believes the deal will reposition its air transport network across West Africa and beyond.
The Guinea-Bissau national carrier project will operate from Osvaldo Vieira International Airport in Bissau. Under the MoU, both sides will develop a structured framework to establish a fully operational airline. The country expects this hub to become a central gateway for regional and international routes.
According to the agreement, “a joint venture entity will operate as Guinea-Bissau’s national airline,” with United Nigeria Airlines providing aircraft, expertise, and operational leadership. Guinea-Bissau will benefit from technical capacity transfer while retaining sovereign control over aviation policy and regulation. This arrangement is designed to accelerate operational readiness.
United Nigeria Airlines has committed to deploying at least two aircraft within 18 months. The airline also confirmed plans to provide executive jet services for government use. For the West African nation, this represents a practical boost in state mobility and aviation capability. The Guinea-Bissau partnership is therefore both commercial and strategic in scope.
Meanwhile, the Guinea-Bissau government on its part, has agreed to facilitate the registration and licensing of the new national carrier in line with domestic laws, and to streamline authorisation processes through both the Civil Aviation Authority of Guinea-Bissau and the Civil Aviation Authority of Nigeria.
The agreement further states that the national carrier will be designated as the official airline of Guinea-Bissau. This gives the country access to Bilateral Air Services Agreement rights, strengthening its international route potential. Authorities believe this will significantly enhance the country’s aviation footprint across Africa and global markets.
Training and workforce development are central to the nation’s aviation strategy. United Nigeria Airlines will train pilots, cabin crew, and engineers from Guinea-Bissau, while prioritising local employment. One clause emphasises that “safety, reliability, and efficiency” will be maintained under the operational control of United Nigeria Airlines management.
The MoU also includes financial safeguards, insurance protections, and independent safety audits. It will remain valid for 18 months unless replaced by a full joint venture agreement. Guinea-Bissau sees this structured approach as a foundation for long-term aviation growth, investment security, and sustainable national carrier development.
