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Fidelity Bank Plc and Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG) has signed a Strategic Partnership Framework Agreement to unlock capital for airlines to acquire more airplanes for their operations.
This was one of the major deals at the two,- day Nigerian Aircraft Acquisition & Investment Summit ( NAAIS) organised by the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development in collaboration with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in Lagos.
Speaking on the deal, the Managing Director Business Aviation and SVP Commercial Aircraft Finance Germany (AFG), Christian Hatje, explained that essence oof the agreement is to build an investable structure.
.He noted that they have moved from putting up framework to executing it , adding that the question is not whether structures can exist, but whether they have built them.
The partnership,he said combines global aviation expertise with domestic capital strength
According to him, “This platform can support fleet growth and scale,”
Explaining the purpose of ALFA platform, Hatje said that Is designed as a dedicated African leasing platform that is aimed at closing funding gaps and deepen aviation financing capacity across the continent.
ALFA, he said drives aviation financing transformation
With ALFA now operational, stakeholders expect a turning point in African aviation financing. The platform unlocks capital, improves leasing access, and supports fleet modernisation.
ALFA, Hatje also said operate via a structured model in which Fidelity Bank will act as Funding Manager, while AFG serves as Asset Manager.
Explained the structure further, Hatje said that, each aircraft deal will be under a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) and each SPV becomes the lessor, acquiring aircraft and leasing airplanes to airline operators.
In his words, “For each aircraft, we set up a dedicated SPV. It acquires the aircraft and leases it to airlines.”
This model, the AFG representative said improves transparency, risk control and that it is in accordance with global aviation financing standards.
Nigeria, he noted could become Africa’s largest aviation market in view of her aviation growth outlook.
“This partnership keeps Nigeria moving and keeps Africa moving too,” he said.
On his part, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, described the deal between it and AFG as a very strategic expansion .
She said that Fidelity Bank is already playing a critical role in the Nigerian aviation financing.
Onyeali-Ikpe, was represented by Executive Director Corporate and Investment Banking, Stanley Amuchie.
According to him, “We are financing most of the major airlines in Nigeria,”, adding that the bank has supported airlii such as Air Peace and Ibom Air.
He stated that ALFA platform has come to n expand that support through structured leasing and financing solutions.
According to him, “We are bringing finance and technical expertise together.”
The Nigerian aviation, he said requires specialised knowledge.with AFG providing technical capability, while Fidelity delivers funding strength, stressing that this combination helps reduce risk in aircraft financing.
ALFA, Amuchie pointed out operates as a flexible platform which according to him is not tied to a fixed funding size.
“ We execute deals as they come,” he said.
Amuchie said that this is allows airlines to access financing based on what they need, adding that besides, operators can choose between outright purchase or leasing options.
Speaking further, he said, “If you have capital, you can buy aircraft. If not, you lease through the SPV,.”
He argued that apart from the fact that this flexibility lowers entry barriers into aviation, it also also allows smaller operators to scale operations gradually and that ALFA could stimulate new airline growth across Africa.
Besides, the Fidelity Bank representative, said that leasing arrangements also reduces upfront capital pressure from the operators.
“You don’t need all the money to buy aircraft. You pay lease rentals,” he said.
Despite the gains of leasing, Amuchie noted that discipline is a very critical to leasing of aircraft, as airline operators must meet lease obligations and sustain operations.
Fidelity Bank, he said need serious airline operators who understand what the business, entails as this
ensures sustainability within the ALFA framework.
Amuchie said that beyond Nigeria, ALFA is expected to improve regional connectivity, pointing out that many African routes are underserved due to lack of capacity and connectivity.
He said as a result African airlines are challenged by operational constraints and high travel times.
He added that the coming of ALFA platform, could help bridge these identified gaps by enabling fleet expansion.
According to him, “In Africa, you can spend a day on routes that should take hours.”
Besides, he said that improved aircraft access will enhance connectivity. It will also support trade and economic integration.
The emergence of ALFA is coming as Nigeria is positioning itself as a regional aviation hub. Policy reforms and investor confidence are driving this shift. In addition, financing platforms like ALFA strengthen this ambition.
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