Arik explores opportunities for direct flights to India

Chairman, Arik Air, Sir Joseph Arumemi-IKhide (left) receiving the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Ajjampor Ghanashyam at Arik Headquarters

Arik Air, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest carrier, has begun exploring the possibility of introducing a direct service to India, following a recent visit from the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Ajjampur Rangalah Ghanashyam to the airline’s headquarters in Lagos.

The High Commissioner was at the Arik Air Aviation Centre to explore opportunities on how to facilitate direct flights between Nigeria and India. Presently, there are no direct flights between the two countries, with travelers currently forced to board connecting flights through Addis Ababa, South Africa or Dubai.

According to the High Commissioner, direct flights between Nigeria and India would boost business, tourism, save passengers flight time and reduce the stress of the journey.  “Direct flights are also important during medical emergencies, because direct movement of patients during emergencies would save a lot of lives.”

Speaking after inspecting the facilities at Arik Air headquarters, Ghanashyam said he was impressed with the profile of the airline, which appears to him a professionally run carrier. He stressed Arik Air’s fleet size, route network and staff strength meant it was an airline that would serve as a strong partner in providing direct flights between India and Nigeria.

He explained: “With over 120 daily flights, 26 aircraft and over 2000 direct employees, Arik Air qualifies as a serious player for any Indian airline to partner with in order to facilitate seamless flights between the two countries.

“This visit to Arik Air is the first stage in building an initial bridge of understanding. The airlines will decide the potential and viability of a partnership. I am confident that Arik Air has done well, given the facilities I have seen,” Ghanashyam concluded.

The High Commissioner was received on the visit by the Chairman of Arik Air, Sir J.I.A. Arumemi-Ikhide, President/Group Chief Executive, Dr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide and Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi.

Arik Air is Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline and operates mainly from two hubs at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.

It operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft including two Airbus A340-500 making the airline the first operator of the wide bodied aircraft in Africa.

The airline currently serves 20 destinations across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Monrovia (Liberia),Cotonou (Benin) and Douala (Cameroon), Luanda (Angola), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).The airline operates a combined number of about 120 daily flights from its hubs in Lagos and Abuja, and has been Africa’s fastest growing airline for the last two years.

Flight operations return to Kaduna Airport.

Flight operations into Kaduna airport have been  restored  following

successful deployment of  air traffic facilities at the airport early

on Monday . This is explained through an online statement signed by the General Manager,Public Affairs, of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, Mr Supo Atobatele. Flights to Kaduna airport was temporarily suspended following a fire incident which razed the tower and completely destroying air traffic control facilities

“The Engineering staff of the Nigerian Airspace Management  Agency

(NAMA), worked round  the clock to ensure that normal flights resume

at the airport with the effective  deployment of the Air Traffic

Control Mobile Tower.

  Earlier today, Aero Contractor was able to operate in and out of the

airport without any hitch and several other flights have followed the Aero Contractor operations.”-the statement said.

The Nigerian  Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), had issued a NOTAM

(Notice To Air Men) to that effect .

The Managing Director of NAMA, Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam  in his

reaction, appreciated the loyalty and commitment of the Engineering

and Operations teams in ensuring that  flight operations returned to

normalcy in less than 24 hours.

Ebola: Gambian govt restrict inbound flights from Freetown, Monrovia, Conakry. …Gambian Bird postpone flight launch.

 According to The Point newspaper in Gambia, the Gambian government  have ordered four airline companies operating in The Gambia, "not to pick up passengers in Freetown, Monrovia and Conakry as inbound passengers to Banjul."

A letter dated 10th April 2014 conveying the ban, "with immediate effect and until further notice", was sent from the ministry of Transport in Banjul to the country manager Brussels Airline, country manager Arik Airlines, managing director Gambia Bird, the country manager Royal Air Maroc. It was copied to the director-general Gambia civil aviation authority.

Meanwhile, the news was on the BBC World Service on Sunday afternoon, which reported that the Gambian authorities have banned all flights from Conakry, Freetown and Monrovia as a preventive measure against the spread of the Ebola virus.

Gambia Bird, had postponed the launch of its flights to Conakry.

A news release (datelined Banjul 24th March 2014) on its web site announced: "Gambia Bird postpones launch of flights to Conakry".

According to the news release, "Gambia Bird Airlines, the West African scheduled carrier headquartered in Banjul, The Gambia, has announced a postponement to the launch of its new services from Dakar and Bissau to Conakry, the capital of Guinea.

"The routes were to have been launched on 30th March 2014. The launch of Gambia Bird's new services to Bissau, in Guinea-Bissau, will take place on 30th March, as planned.

"The announcement follows reports that an outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus has reached Conakry, after spreading from southern Guinea."

"Thomas Wazinski, Chief Executive Officer of Gambia Bird Airlines, said: " 'We are sorry to announce that our plans to launch new services from Dakar, in Senegal, and Bissau, in Guinea Bissau, to Conakry have been postponed, following the spread of the Ebola virus to the city.

" 'The launch on 30th March of our new services to from Bissau, in Guinea Bissau, Lagos, in Nigeria, and Douala, in Cameroon, will proceed as planned.

" 'We regret the inconvenience that this may cause, but our primary consideration is the health and well-being of our customers and staff. We also want to help ensure that this disease does not spread to neighbouring countries and it would not be right to launch new services to Conakry whilst this increased risk continues.

" 'Once the situation is contained, we will resume our plans and we look forward to welcoming customers aboard the new services at that time.

" 'We will continue to liaise with the authorities in Conakry and will advise of the revised launch date as soon as possible. In the meantime, passengers already booked on flights to Conakry will be fully refunded.' "

"Gambia Bird had planned to launch two flights per week from Bissau and Dakar to Conakry, operating on Tuesdays and Thursdays and utilising Airbus A319 aircraft. The airline, which was founded in 2012, now operates scheduled services throughout West Africa, as well as from Banjul to London and Barcelona, and from Freetown, Sierra Leone, to London."

MMA clings BEST EMERGING AIRPORT - AFRICA REGION award. …. Fresh cargo terminals ready in 16 months - FAAN MD

The Federal Government’s transformation in the aviation sector received a major boost when the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja received an award as the 2014 BEST EMERGING AIRPORT - AFRICA REGION at the 4th Annual Emerging Airports Conference and Exhibition in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

This is according to a statement signed by the General Manager Corporate Communications of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN, Mr. Yakubu Dati.

The Managing Director of FAAN, Engr. Saleh Dunoma received the prestigious award at the event which took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The organisers of the conference who cited the revolutionary turn-around of the airports in Nigeria as amongst the reasons for the award, also applauded the Aerotropolis and the fresh/perishable cargo projects as clear indicators of an emerging giant.

The award ceremony also featured conferences and an exhibition which attracted over 15 airport directors, CAA’s airport companies from the emerging markets in Africa, Asia and Middle East.

Also, Engr Saleh Dunoma while delivering a paper at the conference said the  six fresh cargo terminals being constructed across Nigeria will be completed in 16 months so that Nigeria can begin to benefit from the £2 billion perishable cargo market in Africa.

He called on foreign investors to take advantage of the fertile investment climate and invest in the Nigerian aviation sector.

Engr. Dunoma also described the massive remodelling projects across its 22 network across Nigeria as a veritable foundation for investments in the sector.

"Opportunities abound in the Aerotropolis project where investors are guaranteed return on their investments."

He invited investors to be part of the Aerotropolis and fresh produce market and described Nigeria's rating as the 26th economy in the world as a clear indication that Nigeria is taking its pride of place as the truly.

Others who attended the event included Mozambique Airports, Tanzania Airports Company, Ghana Airports Company, Kilimanjaro Airports Company(as delegate), Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, Bahrain Airports Company, GMR Airports and GVK Airports from India. Others were Abu Dhabi Airports Company, Dube Ports – South Africa, Jordan Airports Company (delegate), Egyptian Airports Company (delegate), ADPI – the airport design company, Hill International, TAV Airports Holdings (Turkey) and over 45 exhibitors representing airport suppliers, investors, contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers and others involved in ground handling, airport operations, airport ATC / ATM, airport maintenance and ancillary services providers.

“Nigeria is now Africa’s fastest growing Business Aviation economy” –Demuren

“Nigeria is now Africa’s fastest growing Business Aviation economy” –Demuren

Segun Demuren, Convener NBAC 2014

Segun Demuren, MD/CEO of hosts EAN Aviation and convener of the conference, opened discussions by highlighting the rapid expansion of Nigerian Business Aviation. “It has been an extremely busy year for the sector,” he stated presenting a number of key facts about the industry. “Nigeria is now Africa’s fastest growing Business Aviation economy with more new and pre-owned aircraft delivered to Nigeria, than South Africa in the last year. The country’s private jet fleet is larger than the commercial aircraft fleet.  Growth has been driven predominantly by the oil and gas industry however other sectors including finance, manufacturing, telecoms & agriculture are all contributing to a market which is set to grow by 20% this year.” He also highlighted challenges that he hoped the forum would debate including the fact that any aircraft put on a 5N (Nigerian) registry will lose asset value by as much as 25% yet incur higher insurance premiums, up to 35% higher in some cases. Maintenance and service support still remains a challenge and whilst the fleet continues to grow there are no accurate figures for the amount of jets operating in Nigeria. Educated guesses say between 100 and 150, with an anticipated 350 set to be in operation by 2016.

However underpinning the significance of the conference and the Nigerian pride in its business aviation sector Demuren stated that OEMS, operators and key stakeholders are all delivering the same message. “We believe in Nigeria. We are committed to Nigeria and we are willing to understand how we can do business successfully in Nigeria”

The second Nigerian Business Aviation Conference organised and hosted by EAN Aviation on 27 and 28 March 2014 welcomed over 159 delegates, 25% more than last year, to its extended day and a half format at the prestigious Wheatbaker Hotel in Lagos. A line up of international and national speakers, panellists and Nigerian government officials debated the Nigerian Business landscape and revisited the essential themes from the first annual event held last year.

This year’s conference programme was designed to provide a platform for analysing and reviewing Nigerian Business Aviation and to stimulate discussion about what is needed to support continual, sustainable development. Hosted by the esteemed Chair, Alan Peaford MBE, delegates heard from a variety of speakers, including financiers, lawyers, operators, OEMs, local authorities and other key stakeholders in Nigerian aviation.

Captain Nogle Meggison, Chairman of the Airline Operators Committee said that transport logistics within Nigeria also stimulated growth with poor roads, a limited domestic airline fleet and train network meant that executive jets provide a solution to much of the logistical challenges in the country. “The time saving, the convenience and the increased productivity that follows means business aviation is not a luxury but an essential tool for growth in Nigeria.” He argued that the government is supporting expansion stating it has removed import duties on new jets; has signed the Cape Town convention reassuring lessors about asset security; invested in new infrastructure including a private jet terminal that opened last year in the political centre Abuja; and does not impose a time restriction on the amount of time a foreign registered private jet can stay on Nigerian soil. Whilst this is stimulating growth he acknowledged that improved regulations, comprehensive MRO offerings, the implementation of structured safety management systems and local participation were all necessary for ongoing success.

The Growth in Opportunities panel addressed some of these issues stating that manpower and human resources are still an issue. Demuren commented “the struggle is to educate and train as quickly as possible, knowledge transfer will take some time before we have enough home grown engineers.” Ettore Poggi, MD of ExecuJet Africa suggests that real economic growth within the sector will come from the business of supporting private jets through training, support and maintenance. “We need to encourage aircraft operators and owners to keep maintenance checks in country. If we begin with A and B checks then the heavy maintenance will follow,” he stressed.

Key government authorities joined the elite audience including Acting Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority, Engineer Benedict Adeyileka who presented the government’s industry support by discussing the country’s ongoing transformation agenda which is currently reviewing General Aviation, in recognition of its contribution to supporting the local economy. The CAA is currently reviewing all elements of GA regulations covering a wide range of sectors from Air Ambulance and Aviation Leisure Activity through to the Air Taxi and Corporate Charter market. He said that the CAA is taking an inclusive approach by requesting feedback from all aviation stakeholders, “The only way we can develop the most suitable industry regulations is through your feedback and we encourage you to submit your thoughts,” he told the audience. Automated issuing of permits to local operators is also close to fruition, although when implemented will not initially be accessible to foreign operators.

Whilst the authorities seem to be making progress aviation financing doesn’t seem to be following suit. “Most aircraft in Nigeria are cash bought,” commented Melanie Humphries Head of Aviation Corporate and International Banking Investec. She stressed flexibility, partnerships with local banks and simple financial engineering could provide solutions to the lack of aviation finance currently available. To date it has proved difficult for international financiers to encourage local bank participation.

However once an aircraft is purchased the post acquisition panel suggested that the situation is improving for maintaining and keeping the aircraft. An increased availability of hangerage, improved and larger ramp space, and growing maintenance facilities are all helping to protect the asset. Addressing the concerns of insurance fees Simon Richards, Executive Director Contract and Leasing Willis Aerospace commented “There is nothing wrong with having any specific registration, what affects the price is supply and demand.” He called for local insurers to play their part in the market development. The panel also reiterated the need to select the right aircraft for the mission and the OEM panel echoed these thoughts with acknowledgement that Nigera’s business aviation community can benefit from the complete range of aircraft types to fulfil its varying requirements. The OEMs also explained that service maintenance offerings were improving but issues with spare parts were often related to customs issues rather than availability. To counter this issue the regulatory bodies are now allowing spare parts to arrive in country though duty free channels so reducing waiting times at customs and downtime of aircraft. However Achuzie Ezenagu, MD of Toucan Aviation stressed that for OEMs to really help Nigeria develop that they must have “boots on the ground to support development across the country and be on hand to support maintenance and post acquisition services.”

Segun Demuren wound up the event stating, “Aviation is tough and locals need to take it more seriously, participate in its development, and need to maintain a long term vision recognising that it takes investment in time and money to make sure that we grow this vibrant and vital subsector of the economy”. Dates for the third annual NBAC event were announced as the 26 and 27 March 2015.