Nigerian transport minister Babatunde Omotoba is to visit Virgin Atlantic in London to discuss the UK carrier's decision not to extend Virgin Nigeria's access to the Virgin brand.

Last year Virgin Atlantic, which owns 49% of Virgin Nigeria, outlined plans to sell its stake in the Nigerian carrier. In a further development, earlier this month a source familiar with the process said Virgin Atlantic was not extending Virgin Nigeria's brand rights.

Omotoba attended the show on Tuesday to formalise Nigerian regional carrier Afrijet's order for four ATR 72-500s. After the signing ceremony he said: "We are going from here to London to speak with Virgin Atlantic."

He added: "We want to find a soft landing for Virgin Nigeria. We have given them so much. The government is intervening to make sure the two companies come together to solve their differences."

Virgin Nigeria is planning to rebrand by 7 July. New names under consideration include Nigerian Eagleand Air Nigeria.

Source: Flight Daily News

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