COVID vaccine distribution: Allied Air purchases another aircraft

Allied Air, Africa’s only IATA designated cargo airline, has taken delivery of B737-800 Aircraft worth about N8bn for cargo operations.

The cargo aircraft will be deployed to COVID-19 vaccines distribution across Nigeria as one of its first mission. It is fitted to deliver medical supplies safely.

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

The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, the Central Bank of Nigeri Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele and the Access Bank Group Managing Director, Mr. Hubert Wigwe along other government officials received the aircraft greeted by a water canon ceremony.

Speaking at the brief ceremony held on Thursday at the Nnamdi Aziliwe International Airport Abuja, the CEO Allied Air, Capt. Val Tongo, said the aircraft will be deployed to COVID-19 vaccine distribution.

He said the acquired freighter (MSN 36846) is the youngest 737-800 in the world converted
to date.

In his comments, the CBN Governor Mr. Goodwin Emefiele said: The :Aircraft is funded through the intervention fund of the CBN but through Access Bank. Only about three weeks ago, the Aviation Minister 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.

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