South African Airways Showers Love on Less Privilege in Nigeria

… Holds exclusive movie viewing for Arrows of God Orphanage

In the spirit of the festive season, South African Airways has demonstrated unusual corporate social responsibility by bringing smiles to the faces of more than 70 Arrows of God Orphanage kids in Lagos.

South African Airways treated the Arrows of God Orphanage kids to an exclusive movie viewing at the Silverbird Cinemas in Lagos in addition to loads of gifts for each kid and the entire orphanage.

 

SAA Staff with the kids from Arrows of God Orphanage 

The orphanage kids watched and enjoyed exclusively, 2016 Walt Disney blockbuster animated adventure movie, ‘Moana’ – a story about a spirited teenager who sails out on a mission to prove herself a master wayfinder and fulfil her ancestors’ unfinished quest. During her journey, Moana meets the once mighty demi-god Maui, and together they traverse the open ocean on an action-packed voyage encountering enormous fiery creatures and impossible odds.

The kids enjoyed the movie in company of assorted snacks and drinks provided by South African Airways.

Earlier, as the kids arrived the Silverbird Galleria, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, Head of Sales and Marketing at South African Airways alongside other colleagues presented the kids with a model of the new South African Airways A330-300 aircraft recently launched on the Lagos-Johannesburg route.

“We love Nigeria and we love all of you at Arrows of God Orphanage. Take this model of the new aircraft we recently introduced to Nigeria and keep all hopes alive for a prosperous future,” Kemi stated while handing over the model aircrafts to the kids.

The kids who were visibly happy with the South African Airways gesture sang lots of Christmas songs and wishes the South Africa national carrier more prosperous years ahead.

At the end of the movie viewing, South African Airways presented the orphanage with many foodstuff items including a specially designed cake.

Mrs Jessica Otu, representative from the Arrows of God Orphanage thanked the airline for continuously putting smiles on the faces of the kids of the orphanage.

“From all of us at Arrows of God Orphanage, we want to say a big thank you to South African Airways who have made it an annual priority to always make us smile,” Otu explained.

Recall that South African Airways in mid-December, 2016 introduced a brand new A330-300 aircraft to service the Lagos-Johannesburg route cementing the airline’s commitment to the Nigerian market as well as providing Nigerian travellers with excellent travel experience

Nigeria Airline Operators Clamour for Upgraded Navigational Aids

Airline operators in Nigeria yearns for better navigation aids around the airports in the country as the experience of their members for some time has not been too good. This is due to the weather phenomenon around the country at this time of the year.

Expressing their displeasure, the Chairman of the airline association Captain Nogie Meggison said, “Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) hereby expresses its gross disappointment and deepest displeasure at the deplorable state of Navigational Aids at airports around the country which makes flying in the Nigerian airspace virtually impossible during the harmattan season thereby increasing the sufferings of passengers and disrupting their plans for the yuletide season due to flight cancellations.

 

Capt. Nogie Meggison, Chairman AON

Meggison decried the situation and described it as appalling. He noted that exactly forty eight years today on December 28, 1968, the first aircraft operated at CAT lll and landed in zero (0) visibility at Heathrow airport, yet Nigeria is unable to land aircraft with visibility of about 800m.

“Most international and local flights had to be diverted to Cotonou  , which is rather unfortunate. The issue of the harmattan haze is a yearly seasonal occurrence as Nigeria has mainly Raining (Thunderstorms) and Dry Seasons (Harmattan)"-Meggison complained.   “If the world has been landing in zero or virtually no visibility since December 28, 1968, today 48 years later on December 28, 2016 on the anniversary of the first CAT III landing at Heathrow airport,Nigeria still can't land with 800meters of visibility? Why are the Navigation aids not working or upgraded over the years? Why is there no solution to this issue after forty years of the airlines crying out?  "It is rather shameful that today in the 21st Century, we are still talking of operating at CAT l and unable to land at 800m at our airports," he noted.”

Giving the experience of airlines in the recent times, Meggison said, “For the past three (3) days MMA in Lagos was shut down until 6pm before flights could land. Hence no airline could fly and passengers were delayed with colossal loss of revenue to the operators. A DANA Air flight that departed Abuja at 10am could not land in Lagos and had to return to Abuja until 6pm before flying back again still leaving about 500 to 600 passengers to various destinations stranded at the airport.”

"This is very unfair to operators who cannot charge passengers for the extra cost the airline has to bear on return or cancelled flights and we have to feed and lodge them in a hotel. NAMA and FAAN need to be more responsible to ensure that our airports are equipped with the right landing aids to allow 24hours operations in any weather condition," Meggison stressed.

Listing other  challenges, he said AON has been calling attention of government to this situation for a long time now. The economic impact is too heavy on us. Fifty per cent(50%) of scheduled flights are delayed due to weather, shortage of Jet fuel, inadequate screening machines at the Terminal Boarding exit points, insufficient parking for airplanes on the tarmac, as well as VIP movement etc.

“How then can we make money to pay the high taxes and levies being imposed by the agencies and parastatals or contribute our quota to the National GDP this way?”-Meggison asked

“It is also instructive to note that the overstaffed Agencies have over 18,000 staff servicing 3000 airline staff. FAAN alone has about 11,000 staff and NAMA has 4000 staff with only 250 Air Traffic Controllers. According to the Minister of State for Aviation, a particular Agency has about forty eight (48) General Managers. The huge funds made from passengers 5% taxes on Ticket Sales Charge (TSC); Passenger Service Charge (PSC), Over Flight Charges, Enroute Navigational Charges and Terminal Charge, landing fee and parking charges are being used wrongly to pay for salaries and the lavish lifestyle of the over bloated workforce at the expense of improving the navigation and airport infrastructure.

“It is sad to note that Murtala Muhammed Airport which is the nation's biggest and busiest airport is a CAT l airport. This means flights cannot land at below 800m due to the obsolete Instrument Landing System (ILS) in place at the airport. Yet all the aircraft being operated by the airlines are fully equipped to do a CAT ll or even CAT lll landing. If our airports were CAT lll as in Heathrow airport this same day on December 28, 1968, flights would have been able to operate normally in this harmattan season.

“What we need is simple solutions. Get better equipment. If we had CAT lll equipment at our airports the airlines will fly. The relevant Agencies need to invest in modern Navigation aids and Runway lights so that we don't have to come back again next year complaining about the same thing as we have done for so many decades. Also, the planned concession of airports might be a way forward provided it is transparent and with a clear agenda as the Concessionaire would make sure these landing aids are in place," Meggison said.

Arik Air Explains Operational Hiccups

…Promises Normalcy in Operations

It has been a challenging time for the West Africa’s largest airline operator, Arik Air. The airline take some time to explain what it is going through in terms of operational hitches. According to the airline: “Due to the damage to Arik Air’s A330-200 aircraft (registration 5N-JIC) by a ground handling company at JFK International Airport, New York, USA a few days ago, the airline had to invest in chartering a B767-300ER aircraft from a European charter operator to minimize the disruption and inconvenience to booked passengers on its Lagos-New York JFK service. This arrangement was put in place to cover for the period until the return to service of our A330-200 aircraft on 28 December, 2016.”

Arik Air explained that the “Lagos-New York flight which was scheduled to be operated by the charter company and depart Lagos on Tuesday, December 27, 2016 at 11:00am could not operate due to the closure of Lagos airspace for several hours due to bad weather (poor visibility). Despite the airline’s repeated appeals to the charter operator to operate the next fight, they insisted on positioning their crew and aircraft back to Europe on Wednesday, December 28, 2016.”

With the issue of chartered aircraft B767-300ER arrangement hitting the rock, Arik Air said it “immediately commenced the ferry back of its A330-200 aircraft from New York to Lagos on Wednesday, 28 December 2016 and this aircraft is expected to arrive Lagos on Thursday, 29 December 2016 at 02:45am. Passengers originally booked on Arik Air’s flight W3 107 on Tuesday, 27 December 2016 from Lagos to New York JFK will now be accommodated to travel on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 06:00am.”

The  stranded passengers could not accept the situation while the airline was trying to proffer solution to the challenge of availability of aircraft on Lagos-New York route. “While these negotiations were on with the charter operator and Arik Air was reviewing available alternate options, unfortunately, some of the New York bound passengers on Wednesday, 28 December 2016 prevented the airline from checking in passengers booked for other destinations resulting in significant delays and cancellations of some flights. These passengers also delayed the check-in of Lagos-London Heathrow flight of Wednesday, 28 December 2016 despite making them aware that London Heathrow airport enforces a night curfew and the consequential impact on other passengers of such unlawful disruptions.”

Lamenting the unavailability of security cover by Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s Aviation Security (AVSEC) during the disruption of check-in process at the Lagos Airport, Arik said “No assistance was available from the Aviation Security (AVSEC) department of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to contain the disruptive passengers and ensure they act in an orderly and civilized manner.”

Arik Air appeals for the understanding of passengers booked on the Lagos-New York service and assures regular operations will be normalised from Thursday, 29 December 2016.

Delayed luggages: Nigeria CAA Fines Arik Air

…To Pay NCAA N6,000,000 and $150 to Each Passenger

For flouting stipulated Civil Aviation Regulations on handling of passengers’ luggages , Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has penalised Arik Air.

According to NCAA, “Arik Air Limited has been sanctioned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for contravening the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

Earlier, the Authority was inundated with complaints of delay and inability to ferry the passengers’ checked – in luggage on the Airline’s services from London –Lagos from the 2nd, 3rd and 4th December, 2016.”

“Upon receipt of the complaints, NCAA invited the airline to a meeting on the 6th of December, 2016, which was duly attended by the airlines’ representative.

However, Arik embarked on continuous flouting of the Nig.CARs and the Authority’s directives to freight all backlog of short – landed baggage to Lagos within 48 hours.” -Sam Adurogboye, spokesperson of NCAA explained. “Similarly, the carrier declined to offer care and compensation to the affected passengers which were unanimously agreed for One Hundred and fifty United States dollars.

In addition, the airline did not inform the passengers at the soonest practicable time that their checked – in baggage would be off – loaded as required by Part 19.7.2 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs),2015.”

In a Letter of Sanction with reference no. NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/16/439 dated 22nd December, 2016; the Authority has determined that Arik Air Limited is in violation of Part 19.7.2 and 19.17.2.1 (ii) of the Nig.CARs, 2015.

Stating out the penalty to be paid by Arik Air, NCAA said, “Arik Air Limited to pay to the Authority within Seven (7) days of receipt of this letter, the sum of #6,000,000.00 (Six Million naira only) being civil penalty for violation of Part.19.7.2 of the Nig.CARs, 2015.”

“Arik Air is directed to pay each affected passenger, within 30 days of the date of this letter, the sum of One Hundred and Fifty  US dollars ($150) as compensation for inconveniences suffered as a result of delayed arrival of their luggage on your service as required by Part.19.17.2.1 (ii) of the Nig.CARs,2015.”

NCAA expects strict compliance with the provisions of Part 19 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) by the airline in future.

“This is to assure all stakeholders that the Authority exist to protect their rights at all times and as such any violation of the Regulation in that regard will be viewed seriously.”

Abuja Airport Closure: FG Assures Safety at Kaduna Airport

Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika (middle), Deputy British High Commissioner, Harriet Thompson (L) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transportation, Alh. Sabiu Zakari (R) during the meeting yesterday.

The Federal Government has given its words on the safety and security of airport users at the Kaduna Airport as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport will be closed for repairs in February 2017.  The Minister of state for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika said, “there is adequate provision of security for passengers who will be using the Kaduna Airport for the period the Abuja Airport will be closed for repairs.”

The assurance was given when the Deputy British High Commissioner, Ms. Harriet Thompson paid a visit to the minister in his office to clarify issues surrounding the proposed closure of Abuja Airport for six weeks in February through March, 2017.

“The closure was to let the badly damaged airport runway be re-constructed”, said Sirika.  “The runway would still be put to use under the six months of reconstruction, but the six-week closure in February through March was to take advantage of the dry season to reconstruct the mid-section of the runway.”

The minister told Thompson that the Government has put in place adequate arrangement to provide buses to convey passengers to Abuja or to Train station depending on the choice of the passenger involved.

He added that a robust security arrangement involving the police, Civil Defence, Immigrations and Customs has been made to escort passengers from Kaduna to Abuja during the period Kaduna Airport will be used as alternative.

Emphasising on security and need for the closure of the airport, the minister said; “I would rather loose five billion dollars than to lose one person’”.

Reacting to Thompson on the involvement of the Airline Operators, the minister said all the stakeholders were involved.

Sirika further assured her of maximum comfort during the period of re-construction, while he appreciated the Deputy High Commissioner’s visit and the relationship between Nigeria and the Government of United Kingdom.

Ms. Thompson had earlier expressed fear on passengers’ safety within and from Kaduna to Abuja during the period Abuja Airport will be closed for re-construction.

She also expressed the hope that adequate information would be made available to airliners and passengers for necessary adjustment to their plans and operations.

Sikorsky won Florida Manufacturer of the Year

Lockheed Martin Sikorsky Florida Assembly

Sikorsky, a Lockheed Martin company was crowned the Florida's Manufacturer of the Year by the Manufacturers Association of Florida at the 13th Annual Manufacturers Summit and Marketplace in Gainesville, Fla.

Lockheed Martin has approximately 12,000 employees in Florida with manufacturing areas across the state. Sikorsky's West Palm Beach facility manufactures and tests UH-60M Black Hawk, CH-148 Cyclone and CH-53K King Stallion developmental helicopters.

"We are excited about this amazing recognition given to us by the Manufacturers Association of Florida," said Joe Sikora, director and site lead for Sikorsky's Florida Assembly and Flight Operations (FAFO) facility in West Palm Beach, Fla. "We have a highly skilled workforce driving efficient manufacturing operations that create innovative flight systems for our customer. We are extremely proud of the work we do here."

Sikorsky's manufacturing processes were assessed and validated against rigorous criteria. Sikorsky has been a pillar of the Florida community for nearly 40 years. In addition to helicopter assembly and flight testing, Lockheed Martin operations in Florida focus on space exploration, missile and sensor development and manufacturing, information technology, undersea systems, and training and simulation for such aircraft as the F-35.

Air Peace Gets Cattle As Gift For Flying To Uyo

...Etiebet, Gololo and others hail the airline’s feat

An excited Akwa Ibom indigene  surprised Air Peace with a rare demonstration of the depth of gratitude of the people of the state, sending a cow gift to the carrier for successfully operating its maiden flight to Uyo on Sunday, December 18.

Mr. King Ubong, who delivered the cow gift at the corporate headquarters of Air Peace in Lagos, said it was his way of showing gratitude to the airline for extending its flight services to the state.

In a related development, former Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Chief Don Obot Etiebet, House of Representatives member representing Gamawa Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Hon. Mohammed Gololo, Chief Executive Officer of Rosebank Capital, Mr. ‘Niyi Oloruntoba and other top Nigerians have described Air Peace’s entry into the Uyo, Akwa Ibom route as a timely intervention to address the challenges of air travel in the area.

They spoke when Air Peace operated its maiden Lagos-Uyo-Lagos flights on Sunday and Monday respectively, saying the carrier had raised the bar of air travel in the country.

Etiebet commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyema for the expansion to Uyo, describing him as a diligent and humble businessman.

“Since I got introduced to Air Peace,” he said, “I’ve been loving it. Your flights are regular and cleaner. The first time I saw your CEO, he was by the entrance of the aircraft ushering passengers in. I told him to help me put my luggage in the overhead compartment and he did. I didn’t know he was your CEO. It was later I knew and I was surprised. And that is very good.”

Also speaking, Gololo described Air Peace’s entry into Uyo as a product of foresight.The federal lawmaker, who was on the Lagos-Uyo sector of the flight, said: “Air Peace in Uyo is a good idea. It shows foresight. I’m going to Uyo for an assignment and I’m glad to go straight to Uyo. It came at the right time.”

On his part, Oloruntoba, who boarded the Lagos-Uyo flight, said he made Air Peace his preferred airline because of its promptness and the professionalism of its staff. “It’s exciting to be on the inaugural flight. You guys have been my preferred airline since two years you started your flight operations. I fly Air Peace because of your prompt service and the professionalism of your staff. You’ve created a new standard and raised the bar. I’m not surprised you’ve recorded a huge success. This route will be a very successful one for you,” the Rosebank boss said.

He, however, urged the airline to maintain its customer-oriented service in order to sustain its success in the aviation sector of the nation’s economy. He said: “You must always remember you’re here because your customers are there.”

The aircraft was operated by Captain Obot Asuquo, First Officer Quency Owen Ekpe, Mr. Samuel Mayowa, Mr. Donald Ihedinso and Rabi Bahago.

Excited passengers on board the aircraft hailed the management of the airline and applauded the flight and cabin crew for their diligence and professionalism as the aircraft landed at the Ibom Airport in Uyo.

Russia’s S7 Airlines Joins The E-Jets Operators’ Family

Just weeks after receiving the Type Certificates from the Russian authorities for the E170 and E175 jets, Embraer announces that S7 Airlines will be the first operator of the E170 in the country. The airline signed an agreement with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS) to lease 17 E170 pre-owned jets, therefore not impacting Embraer’s order backlog. The airline will start to receive the aircraft in the first half of 2017.

“Once again, GECAS joins Embraer to provide aircraft to the Russian market,” said Arjan Meijer, Chief Commercial Officer, Embraer Commercial Aviation. “We welcome S7 Airlines to the growing E-Jets operators’ family. We are delighted to see the E170 in operation with one of the largest Russian Airlines, supporting the airline as it spreads its wings around Russia. S7 is now the carrier with the largest network outside Moscow serving regional and intra-regional markets.”

“New E170s will allow us to gain momentum in the development of regional air transportation. We see this segment as highly potential. Today, air transportation is concentrated in Moscow, and passengers from Ural cities often have to fly to the Far East through a connecting flight in Moscow. The first Embraers will be based at the Novosibirsk Tolmachevo airport which is located well enough to serve as an efficient hub for other regions. The new type of airliners will allow us to launch flights from small and hard to reach cities, where the use of medium-haul aircrafts is impossible,” said Vladimir Obyedkov, CEO of S7 Airlines.

“The introduction of the E170 into the S7 fleet is the result of our thorough analysis of the airline’s growing needs”, said Alec Burger, GECAS President & CEO. “The E170 offers strong economics and is well-suited to help S7 serve the Russian markets.”

The E-Jets are already well established in several countries in the region– Poland, Finland, and Bulgaria – and in CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) countries where Embraer customers operate E-Jets in Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova. The E190 and the E195 were certified by Russia in 2012, and Saratov Airlines has been flying the E195 since 2013.

Embraer is the world’s leading manufacturer of commercial jets with up to 130+ seats. The Company has over 100 customers all over the world operating the ERJ and E-Jet families of aircraft. For the E-Jets program alone, Embraer has logged more than 1,700 orders and over 1,300 deliveries, redefining the traditional concept of regional aircraft by operating across a range of business applications.

Overland Airways Commences Lagos-Asaba Flight Operations

…Boosts Economic Activities In South-South Region

Nigeria’s Overland Airways announced “flight services from Lagos to Asaba, Delta State this festive season with effect from December 21, 2016.”  

The Asaba-Lagos fights will operate at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays; while the Lagos-Asaba flights will operate at 13:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays.

A statement from the airline said: “The new flights from Lagos to Asaba will give fillip to economic activities in Delta State and Overland Airway’s revamped operations to Asaba International Airport which began recently with the commencement of flights services from Abuja to Asaba. This would further strengthen the economic linkages between the peoples of the South-south and South-East and the South-Western parts of Nigeria, as well as improve the social ties amongst them.”

According to Capt. Edward Boyo, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Overland Airways, “Air transport is a key factor in the economic development of Delta State, and the accelerated development of the State’s economy is strategic to the development of the economies of the South-East and South-South regions.

The Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, Mrs. Aanu Benson, states: “Overland Airways is a major stakeholder in Delta State and a partner for economic development. Overland Airways has returned to Asaba to re-energize economic activities in the Delta region and surrounding States with its excellent flight services.”

Overland Airways flight services from Lagos to Asaba will be operated with the globally renowned ATR turboprop aircraft which is noted for its superior technological design and is particularly suited for short-distance flights in terms of economic reliability, safety and comfort.

“Overland Airways has carved out a niche for itself amongst Nigerian carriers in terms of maintaining high safety and operational standards and Delta State indigenes are thus assured of the highest safety standards and excellent customer service. The IATA Operational Safety Audit registration and International Air Transport Association (IATA) membership recently achieved by the airline are testament to this fact,” Mrs. Benson also states.

Overland Airways is Nigeria’s longest-serving most consistent scheduled commercial airline providing uninterrupted flight services in Nigeria over the past 14 years. With an expanding route network covering Lagos, Asaba, Abuja, Dutse, Minna, Bauchi, Jalingo and Akure, Overland Airways plans to commence regional flights in West Africa in the first quarter of 2017.

PICTURE: IATA PRESENTS IOSA CERTIFICATE TO DANA AIR

​L-R: Dana Air's Director of Flight Operations, Captain Segun Omole, Accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, Area Manager, South West-Africa IATA, Dr Samson Fatokun and Dana Air's Director of Maintenance, Rickson Pasaribu during the presentation of the IATA Operations Safety Certificate to Dana Air in Lagos recently.

Delta and Aeromexico to Launch Historic Partnership

…Airlines to establish transborder alliance between Mexico and the United States; agreement will provide customers with substantial benefits in both nations

Delta Air Lines and Aeroméxico has accepted the final order issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation granting them antitrust immunity and allowing the airlines to establish a joint cooperation agreement. This historic agreement will establish the largest transborder alliance between Mexico and the United States, expand competition and benefit customers of both airlines.

“Together, Delta and Aeroméxico are stronger in the U.S.-Mexico market than either airline can be on its own,” said Delta CEO Ed Bastian. “The partnership will make it possible for us to offer customers more flights to more destinations, with more choices every time someone travels across the border. We will offer industry-leading reliability, great service and an unmatched array of options.”

“This agreement will mark the beginning of a new era in the aviation of North America, as the first and the largest cross-border alliance between Mexico and the United States,” said Aeroméxico CEO Andrés Conesa. “It is the next step in our relationship, and our networks will provide more benefits to our customers while increasing the options for connectivity, products and services.”

AeroMexico GraphicBastian added that the partnership will benefit employees as well. “Our partnership means growth of services and jobs for both Delta and Aeroméxico,” he said.

Once conditions requested by DOT and the Mexican Federal Economic Competition Commission have been fulfilled, the agreement will allow Aeroméxico and Delta to coordinate efforts to enhance the travel experience with expanded destinations and frequencies, improved connecting schedules and seamless operations.

The agreement will also improve the experience on the ground, allowing the airlines to co-locate and invest in airport facilities by improving gates and lounges. The airlines also will increase joint sales and marketing initiatives.

Delta will offer a strong presence in the United States through its hubs in Atlanta, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York, Salt Lake City and Seattle; while Aeromexico will offer larger access to Mexico through its hubs in Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara.

The airlines have been partners for 22 years. The regulatory approval represents an important milestone in the process, announced last year, to launch a cash tender offer for Delta’s acquisition for up to 49 percent of Grupo Aeromexico S.A.B. de C.V., capital stock, further strengthening the partnership between the two airlines.

Airbus Engages Students Worldwide To Innovate The Way We Fly

Airbus is engaging a record 5,499 students from around the world registered to participate in the fifth edition of Airbus’ Fly Your Ideas, the global student challenge organised in partnership with UNESCO.

According to Airbus, “A group of 60 Airbus experts and innovators assessed the ideas submitted by 356 teams from 89 countries. The rigorous evaluation process took place at four different Airbus locations in France, Germany, Spain and the UK, with 50 student teams selected to reach Round Two of the competition, starting in January 2017.”

The competition is led by teams registered in the Asia-Pacific region. The 50 teams comprise 202 students representing 38 different nationalities. With 52% of teams mixing male and female students, two thirds of all teams are diverse in some way, for example with members coming from different countries or studying different subjects. This reflects Airbus’ commitment to diversity which it sees as an essential driver for innovation and success.

Innovative ideas from the 50 chosen teams include robotic luggage trolleys, passenger seats which can be boarded outside the aircraft, new solutions for energy harvesting and virtual reality applications.

“Fly Your Ideas is unique and we are proud of the company-wide engagement of Airbus employees who support the competition, either as assessors, mentors or experts”, says Charles Champion, Airbus Executive Vice President Engineering. “We are offering students the rare opportunity to interact directly with senior specialists from across the business. In turn, these experts will benefit from their direct interaction with talents from across the globe, all sharing the same passion for one of the world’s most exciting industries.”

Each of the teams has 100 days to refine and develop their ideas. The top five teams to make it through to Round Three will spend a week at the “ProtoSpace” based at the Airbus HQ in Toulouse to prototype, test and visualise their ideas using state-of-the art equipment with personalised guidance from Airbus. The winning team will receive a €30,000 prize, the runner up team €15,000, at a live prize giving event in May 2017.

Atlantic Airways takes delivery of its first Airbus A320

Airbus announced that Atlantic Airways, the national carrier of the Faroe Islands, has taken delivery of its first Airbus A320 as part of its plan to increase capacity, becoming Airbus’ newest operator of the type.

According to Airbus, “Atlantic Airways passengers will benefit from the newest cabin comfort throughout the cabin in a single class layout with 168 seats and 18 inch wide seats as standard. The aircraft which is equipped with CFM engines will be deployed on routes from the Faroe Islands to Copenhagen.”

Stating the reason Atlantic Airways chose A320. “The A320 was chosen by Atlantic Airways for its unrivalled economics, performance and operability in challenging environmental and geographical conditions. The aircraft has Required Navigation Performance (RNP 0.1) capability built-in, which enables the aircraft to fly precisely along predefined routes using state-of-the-art on-board navigation systems. Atlantic Airways were the first airline in Europe to use the Required Navigation Performance approach.”

The A320 Family is the world’s best-selling single aisle product line with over 12,800 orders since launch and more than 7,300 aircraft delivered to some 400 operators worldwide. Thanks to their widest cabin, all members of the A320 Family offer unmatched comfort in all classes and Airbus’ 18” wide seats in economy as standard. With one aircraft in four sizes (A318, A319, A320 & A321), the A320 Family, seating from 100 to 240 passengers, seamlessly covers the entire single-aisle segment from low to high-density domestic to longer range routes.

NCAA Facilitates Arik Air’s Resumption

…Arik Air Appreciates Sirika, Places Extra Flights To Clear Backlog

Sen. Hadi Sirika, Nigeria's Minister of State for Aviation

Nigeria’s agency saddled with the responsibility to regulate aviation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) played the role of a mediator between the unions and Arik Air to resolve the acrimony and ensure the resumption of flight operations after hours of disruption by the unions.

“Calm has been restored between the Aviation Unions and Arik Air by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) who brokered a truce between both parties” said Sam Adurogboye, the spokesperson to NCAA. “The Regulatory Authority had to intervene to avert the impending chaos, the strike if allowed to linger would have brought to the huge volume of passengers who are travelling for the yuletide and end of the year celebrations. The Airline and the Unions were summoned to the Aviation House, Conference Room of the NCAA where very fruitful deliberations were held with the NCAA as the moderator”.

Adurogboye who was in the meeting said the Chairman, Arik Air, Sir Johnson Arumeni, at the end of the meeting “thanked the Honourable Minister of State for Aviation, Hon. Hadi Sirika, the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, Captain Sidi Abdullahi Director of Training and Operations(DOT), other management staff of NCAA present and all the Union officials for their intervention and amicable resolution of the crisis.”

Meanwhile, Arik Air is making effort to cater for the backlog to ameliorate the discomfort experienced by passengers as a result of disruption by the unions.

“Full scheduled operations will resume from the morning of Wednesday, 21 December, 2016.The airline has put in place extra flights to various domestic destinations between Wednesday, 21 December 2016 and Saturday, 24 December, 2016 and has also upgraded aircraft on certain routes to a bigger capacity to cope with the backlog of passengers whose flights were affected by the unions’ disruptive action on Tuesday, 20 December, 2016” said Banji Ola the Public Relations Manager to Arik Air.

“Additional capacity has been allocated throughout this week from both Lagos and Abuja to destinations such as Enugu, Asaba, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Benin, Warri, Uyo , Yola and so on to also enable many of our customers to get to their destinations for the yuletide season.”

Arik Air advised that passengers whose flights were affected by the disruption on Tuesday, 20 December, 2016 to contact its Call Centre or via email for rebooking options.

Boeing T-X Completes First Flight, Validates Design for Air Force Requirements

…Milestone proves the aircraft’s low risk, maturity and safety

Boeing and partner Saab  completed the first flight of their all-new T-X aircraft, which is designed specifically for the U.S. Air Force’s training requirements.

During the 55-minute flight, lead T-X Test Pilot Steven Schmidt and Chief Pilot for Air Force Programs Dan Draeger, who was in the seat behind Schmidt, validated key aspects of the single-engine jet and demonstrated the performance of the low-risk design.

“I’ve been a part of this team since the beginning, and it was really exciting to be the first to train and fly,” Schmidt said. “The aircraft met all expectations. It’s well designed and offers superior handling characteristics. The cockpit is intuitive, spacious and adjustable, so everything is within easy reach.”

“It was a smooth flight and a successful test mission,” Draeger added. “I had a great all-around view throughout the flight from the instructor’s seat, which is critical during training.”

Both pilots trained for the flight using the complete Boeing T-X system, which includes ground-based training and simulation.

With one engine, twin tails, stadium seating and an advanced cockpit with embedded training, the Boeing T-X is more affordable and flexible than older, existing aircraft.

Boeing and Saab revealed their first two T-X aircraft in September. The second is currently in ground testing and expected to fly in early 2017.

T-X will replace the Air Force’s aging T-38 aircraft. Initial operating capability is planned for 2024.

ICAO Assists Thailand with Safety Oversight

The Prime Minister of Thailand, H.E. Prayut Chan-o-cha (right), and ICAO’s Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu (left) agreed to cooperate on resolving a Significant Safety Concern in order to enhance the country’s air transport connectivity and optimize international tourism benefits for the Thai economy.

During her recent mission to Thailand, ICAO Secretary General Dr. Fang Liu and Thai Prime Minister H.E. Prayut Chan-o-cha agreed to accelerate their ongoing cooperation to resolve a Significant Safety Concern (SSC) in Thailand.

“Thailand is a leader in a number of areas of sustainable development in the Asia and Pacific (APAC) Region, and its international tourism growth strongly relies on its effective oversight of safe and secure global air transport connectivity,” Dr. Liu commented.

Reiterating his Government’s commitment to ensure ICAO-compliant air transport operations as quickly as possible, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha stressed that all required measures would be taken by the Thai Government to resolve the SSC, and that it expected to be ready for a follow-up mission by ICAO in June 2017.

He also highlighted the importance of the proactive assistance Thailand is receiving from ICAO’s Bangkok-based Asia and Pacific (APAC) Regional Office, singling out the capacity building of regulatory staff as an example of how ICAO’s collaboration can have significant impacts.

Dr. Liu thanked Thailand for the leadership it is demonstrating by prioritizing the air transport sector in its 20-year National Development Plan, stressing the importance of addressing its near-term safety, security and capacity priorities in aid of future sustainable growth. She further called on Thailand to “promote the benefits of air transport to tourism and trade, and to assume a leadership role in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) by facilitating smaller States’ efforts to expand capacity and improve their regulatory oversight systems.”

The ICAO Secretary General reiterated these points during further bilateral discussions held with Thailand’s Minister of Transport, H.E. Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, and at a high-level meeting with Dr. Samshad Akhtar, the Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).

Dr. Liu and Dr. Akhtar agreed that both UN agencies should enhance their efforts to encourage the prioritization of aviation within States’ national developmental plans, especially given the critical importance of ICAO compliant air transport to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals under Agenda 2030.

Nigeria Airports Prepare for Traffic Rush

...Passengers Facilitation Enhanced

The Management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria assures members of the public, especially passengers and airline operators, that “necessary operational and security measures have been put in place at all our airports to ensure hitch-free movement of passengers and cargo during the forthcoming yuletide holidays.”

According to Henrietta Yakubu (Mrs) Acting General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, “Apart from the statutory security and safety measures already in place at the airports, Management has also charged all Airport Managers to employ measures to ensure that only those that meet requirements have access to all restricted areas at the landside, terminals and airside.”

She said the Bomb Detection Unit of the Nigerian Police Force have also been charged to be more alert at the airports, to compliment the effort of Aviation Security personnel at the security screening points.

“To reiterate her commitment to safety of lives and properties, the Federal Government through the Nigerian Airforce recently conducted Counter Terrorism Simulation live demonstration at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.”

“Passengers facilitation at all our airports has also been enhanced by the upgrade of power installations, installation of modern and bigger conveyor belts and metal walk-through detectors, servicing of lifts and escalators. Stringent measures are being taken to eradicate the menace of touts and other unwholesome activities around the terminals.”

She said also that the expansion and modernization of the airport terminals now provide better ambience and more space for restaurants at the terminals, as well as newly opened duty free shops. These provide duty-free shopping experience and help passengers relax comfortably while waiting for their flights.

The Authority however advises air passengers to make early arrangements for their travels and to leave home early on their travel dates, in order to complete their boarding facilities in good time.

Nigeria's Aero Contractors Returns to Sky

...Commences Flight operations on Thursday

After suspension of operations of the oldest airline in Nigeria, Aero Contractors Airlines has announced its resumption with Boeing 737-400/500 and Dash8-Q400. According to the airline, its scheduled services across the country will resume from Wednesday December 21, 2016 after a near four month self-imposed suspension, which was embarked upon as a strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to the part of profitability.

“Aero is re-launching schedule services to Lagos, Abuja, Warri and Port Harcourt, using its Boeing 737-400/500 and the Dash8-Q400, with the expectation that as more aircraft return to service, more routes will be reopened.”

Confirming the resumption of operations, the Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said: “We are delighted to inform our esteemed customers that our schedule operation is back. Full flights will commence on Thursday December 22, 2016 with consistent passenger demand despite the suspension of schedule services. This patronage reinforces the strength of our brand and the quality of our service”.

"We are aware of the impact the four month suspension had on our staff and our highly esteemed customers. Hence our move to return to operations is to continue to  offer the most reliable, safe and secure operations, which the airline is renowned for."

The airline asked passengers with existing tickets prior to the suspension to contact our Ticket Desks/Call Centre to rebook their tickets free of charge. However, those who would prefer a refund may send in their refund requests from the 9th of January, 2017.

Aero is Nigeria's oldest aviation company with 57 years flying experience and good safety record.

Arik Air Resumes Operations After Agreement With Unions

...To pay outstanding October and November, 2016 salaries

After a marathon  and exhaustive meeting  that lasted for hours between the aviation unions and the senior management staff of Arik Air, both parties agreed that the airline resume operations forthwith.

The meeting was held at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s Headquarters with "the Chairman of the Airline, Sir Johnson Arumemi-Ikhide in attendance" according to a reliable source. The Director-General of NCAA was represented by Capt. Abdullahi Sidi (Director, Operations and Training) and also chaired the meeting.

According to a communique issued after the meeting:

"Arik Air undertakes to pay the outstanding October and November, 2016 salaries. October salaries to be paid on or before Friday 31st December, 2016. While November salaries to be paid on or before 31st December, 2016."

" The Unions to submit the acknowledged copies of the letters forwarding membership forms of their prospective members to the NCAA and NCAA shall forward same to the management of Arik Air to do the needful."

"A committee to review the circumstances of all laid off employees, made up of one member from each union and Arik Air, was constituted to be inaugurated on Tuesday, 10th January, 2017. The Hawker fleet employees are exempted from the review."

Parties at the meeting resolved that Arik Air is to resume operations forthwith upon the signing of the communique.

It was also agreed that  "no  individual staff shall be victimised as a consequence of the strike action."

The communique was signed by: Captain Ado Sanusi, Deputy Managing Director of Arik Air; Capt. Abdullahi Sidi, Director, Operations and Training for NCAA; Garuba Akeem, Vice President Treasury for Arik Air; Ochema Aba, General Secretary NAAPE; Olayinka Abioye, General Secratary NUATE and Frances Akinjole, General Secreatry ATSSSAN

Aviation Fuel Scarcity Will End Soon - SIRIKA

 Minister of State Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika, has assured air travelers of Government’s commitment to ending the aviation  fuel (Jet A1) scarcity facing  the nation’s aviation industry to ensure a hitch-free yuletide.

Briefing newsmen on Monday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in  Abuja, Sirika disclosed that measures had been put in place to ensure availability of the product.

According to the Minister, the scarcity was occasioned by the fact that the country does not produce JetA1 locally, adding that the scarcity of foreign exchange had made the importation of the product difficult.

He disclosed that the ministry was collaborating with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to make it easy for importers to bring in the product in the short term.

He explained that the long term plan was that the Ministry of Petroleum Resources and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) were working tirelessly to commence the refining of the product locally.

He however appealed to the traveling public to be patient with the situation as government was doing everything possible to address it.

“The CBN has assured us that they would do the best they can to make the Forex available for our people especially in this festive time and so also NNPC.

“I visited NNPC and the Ministry of Petroleum Resources three times each in the course of the last eight months and they assured us that they would start refining Jet A1 in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna.”

According to the Minister,  “ The challenge is to make this JetA1 available in the country, and this is to assure the general public that we are doing the best that we can to ensure that the product is available within the country.”

“The government is not unaware, we are doing our best as we crave your patience to understand the situation and also to plead with you that it will be short term,’’ he said.

On the recent congestion at the nation's airports especially in Lagos and Abuja, the Minister said it was caused by cancellation of flights due to the non-availability of fuel.

He also justified government decision to concession some of the nation’s airports by saying that the airport as they are today are no longer robust enough for the growing passenger in our country.