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The Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) Airbus Corporation, the Boeing Company, and Embraer Regional Jets are adjusting their strategies for market expansion in order to outdo each other and fulfill delivery schedules with airlines that have made recent orders.
The competition for control of frontier markets is intensifying as global carriers, including those in Nigeria, are carefully considering the type and model of aircraft in their fleets. These decisions are based on factors such as fuel efficiency, technological advancements in avionics, environmental impact, and seating capacity, all of which can significantly impact operational costs.
In response to these considerations, aircraft manufacturers are focusing on making their products more appealing to airlines by offering flexible acquisition options such as dry, wet, or damp/operational leases. Airbus appears to be taking the lead in this effort, with recent data showing higher aircraft deliveries to Nigerian airlines compared to its rival Boeing, which has been dealing with various concerns related to its aircraft in recent years.
Despite Boeing's current dominance in the Nigerian airline fleet, competitors like Airbus and Embraer are making strides towards gaining a larger market share. The order for 10 Boeing Max aircraft by Air Peace has been affected by the crash of the same model in the fleet of Ethiopian Airlines and other safety issues, leading to uncertainties about the expected delivery of these aircraft.
Other carriers such as Max Air, Azman Air, Dana Air, Arik Air, and AeroContractors Airlines, which have also placed orders for Boeing aircraft, are facing similar uncertainties regarding the delivery of their orders.
Airbus Corporation is making significant strides in the African/Nigerian market, as Ibom Air, a State-run carrier, has placed an order for 10 Airbus aircraft, some of which have already been delivered. Airbus is actively engaging in discussions with the Nigerian government to collaborate with local carriers for fleet renewal and expansion.
Indigenous carriers are showing interest in Airbus airplanes due to their advanced avionics technology, fuel efficiency, and cost-effective operations. Additionally, some aircraft manufacturers are considering establishing maintenance and repair facilities in Nigeria to increase the utilization of their equipment.
This trend has led to an increase in orders for Embraer Regional Jets by several Nigerian carriers including Air Peace, United Nigeria Airlines, and Overland Airways. Airbus is also in the process of finalizing a deal with the Akwa Ibom State Government to utilize the Maintenance and Repair Overhaul (MRO) facility at the Victor Attah International Airport in Uyo.
Recent industry data indicates that Airbus has solidified its position as the world's leading plane maker for the fifth consecutive year, surpassing Boeing in aircraft deliveries and orders in 2023. This achievement comes at a time when Boeing is addressing safety concerns related to its 737 Max line of airliners.
In the ongoing competition between Airbus and Boeing, industry experts believe that Airbus is gaining a significant advantage. Managing Director of AeroDynamics Advisory, Richard Aboulafia, remarked in an interview that the previous duopoly in the aviation industry seems to be shifting.
