The federal government has expressed its readiness to partner the Magnus Aircraft Manufacturing industry in Hungary to establish an assembly plant in Nigeria.

The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Mr Sirika had expressed the interest of the government when he paid an inspection visit to the Magnus Aircraft Industry in Pogany, Hungary, on Monday.

“If we venture with them, we may start with assembly plant and later manufacturing in the country. Magnus aircraft is an aeroplane that is good for military training, has a capability for aerobatic manoeuvring, and is made of fully composite materials with high strength and very lightweight,” said the minister.

Mr Sirika added that he was satisfied with the aircraft’s features and was willing to facilitate the production of the aeroplanes in the country.

The minister added that one of the significant features of the Magnus aircraft was its use of petrol. He noted that the government would subject the proposed partnership with the aircraft manufacturer to further scrutiny.

Mr Sirika emphasised that the local production of aircraft would facilitate the growth of Nigeria as a regional aviation superpower.

According to him, this will also come with maintenance and repair facilities that will attract patronage from neighbouring countries.