US embassy cable - 04ABUJA1559

UNCLAS ABUJA 001559 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED 
 
BRUSSELS, DAKAR, DOT FOR FAA 
 
E.O. 12598: N/A 
TAGS: EAIR, EINV, PGOV, NI, ETRA 
SUBJECT: Continental Airlines to Fly to Nigeria? 
 
1.  (U) This is an action message.  See paragraph 7. 
 
2.  (U) Ambassador, EconCouns and Econoff met with 
Chris Amenechi of Continental Airlines and 
Continental's Nigerian law firm, George Etomi & 
Partners, on September 7 at the Ambassador's office. 
Amenechi provided documents to the Ambassador 
confirming Continental's U.S. authorization to operate 
regularly scheduled service between Lagos, Nigeria and 
the United States during two years (docket OST-2004- 
18874). 
 
3.  (SBU) Amenechi said the next step should be the 
Ambassador's support of its application with the 
Nigerian authorities to conduct such flights by April 
2005.  Continental suggests that the Ambassador seek an 
appointment for Continental's senior leadership with 
President Obasanjo, at which the Ambassador might be 
present.  Following this high-level attention and the 
President's support, Continental would then pursue the 
matter at the working level at the Foreign Ministry and 
the Ministry of Aviation.  Continental hopes to receive 
GON approval soonest and begin operating on a daily 
basis in April 2005. 
 
4.  (SBU) Ambassador noted the need for us to first 
receive instructions from the Department of State 
before we make a demarche to the Foreign Ministry. 
Amenechi replied that such instructions would be cabled 
to the Embassy without delay.  Following consultations 
with the Department, the Embassy would make 
representations on behalf of Continental, the 
Ambassador said. 
 
5.  (SBU) Some discussion ensued whether Continental's 
right to fly between Lagos and the United States, and 
Virgin Eagle's announcement that it would soon be 
offering such service, might become linked in the minds 
of GON officials.  Ambassador and EconCouns noted this 
is possible, given that the new Nigerian carrier's 
technical partner is Virgin Atlantic.  As noted in 
septels, given the state of the U.S.-UK bilateral civil 
air relationship, it is highly unlikely that the new 
Nigerian carrier, effectively operated by Virgin 
Atlantic, will be allowed to land in the United States 
in the foreseeable future. 
 
6.  (U) Amenechi and his lawyers countered by saying 
that Obasanjo is so keen about gaining U.S. investment 
that he will not establish such a linkage; to the 
contrary, he is likely to champion Continental's cause, 
they said.  Continental estimates it will initially 
invest $3 million in Nigeria and spend $22 to $23 
million annually on operating costs. 
 
7.  (SBU) Action requested:  We request Department 
guidance on whether to plead Continental's case at 
senior level, preferably (per Continental's request) at 
Presidential level at this time. Please also send us 
notice that Continental Airlines is a U.S. designated 
carrier for purposes of flights between the United 
States and Nigeria, in keeping with our Open Skies 
agreement. 
 
Campbell