A Chinese firm, Zhongshan Fucheng Industrial Investment Co. Ltd., has released one of the three Nigerian aircraft detained in France. The aircraft, an Airbus A330, was seized along with two other jets, a Dassault Falcon 7X and a Boeing 737-7N6/BBJ, due to a court order from a Paris judicial court.
The firm announced the release of the Airbus A330 as a “goodwill gesture” ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron. The released aircraft will be made available for President Tinubu’s use during his trip to France.
The three Nigerian aircraft were detained at Paris-Le Bourget and Basel-Mulhouse airports, sparking a diplomatic issue between Nigeria and China. The release of one of the aircraft may be seen as a positive step towards resolving the issue.
The Chinese firm had obtained a court order to seize the aircraft, claiming unpaid debts. However, the Nigerian government has been working to resolve the issue and secure the release of the detained jets.
President Tinubu’s upcoming meeting with President Macron may provide an opportunity for further discussions on the matter. The release of the Airbus A330 could be a sign of progress in the negotiations between the two countries.
