By Chinelo Obogo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has said the Federal Government would explore potential collaborations for the manufacturing and assemblage of the aircraft in Nigeria.
Keyamo said this when recently visited Magnus Aircraft Group in Hungary following an invitation to attend its product introduction event where the company showcased the Hungarian MF-212 multifunctional aircraft, designed for training and aerial surveillance purposes. Of particular interest was the integration of these aircraft type into the training programs for students at the Africa Aviation and Aerospace University (AAAU) in Abuja.
Magnus Group’s CEO, Mr. Boros Laszlo, highlighted the aircraft’s unique safety features, including the use of normal petrol (PMS) as fuel and a ballistic recovery system. The parachute pack, situated in front of the cabin, adds an extra layer of safety. He said the MF-212 is a two-seater low-wing aircraft made entirely of carbon composite materials, featuring a fixed non-retractable landing gear. With high aerobatic and operational characteristics, the aircraft can withstand overload of +11.8/-6.3g, making it suitable for various applications.
The company established a partnership with the Ministry of Aviation and a manufacturing factory at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, was commissioned on May 26, 2023. The collaboration includes training programs for NCAT engineers on aircraft manufacture/assembly and type rating training for end-users such as the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and NSCDC pilots and engineers.
The Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the Minister, Tunde Moshood, said the impact of this collaboration is already evident, with Magnus products deployed for agricultural purposes by the National Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) and utilised by NCAT for security and surveillance duties. He said the company’s establishment of an assembly plant in NCAT, further solidifies the commitment to technology transfer and growth in the aviation sector.