AON, NCAA agree on debts

(L-R): DG NCAA, Capt. Muhtar Usman, Capt Nogie Meggison, AON Chairman and Capt.  Fola Akinkuotu, MD Aerocontractors & Former DG NCAA

The fall out of  a recent meeting between Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON and the industry regulator, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA was a positive one as both parties agree on debts and other issues. According to NCAA, “The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has pledged to ensure that all outstanding debts are paid to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as agreed.

This assurance was given during a meeting between the management of the regulatory authority led by the Director General, Capt. Muhtar Usman and the Airline Operators  at the NCAA Conference Room on Wednesday 27th of April, 2016.”

Speaking on behalf of the operators, the AON Chairman, Capt. Noggie Meggison remarked that it is incontrovertible that operators are heavily indebted but promised that all unremitted funds will be fully paid.

He thanked the DG for holding a series of meetings with all operators, a move he said was long expected. Meggison therefore requested for similar fora “where the Authority’s vision will be properly articulated from time to time to enable us key into it.’’

He, however, called for a retreat where stakeholders will meet to brainstorm on some knotty challenges which operators and the entire industry is confronted with.

In his response, Capt.Usman enjoined the airlines to comply as agreed because the issue of Ticket and Cargo Sales Charges is sacrosanct. According to him, this is to enable the Authority and other benefitting Agencies  effectively carry out its regulatory and Statutory  responsibilities.

The DG and the NCAA management emphasized the need for automation by operators which will offer real-time and transparent transaction. He directed that all reconciliations must be done within the 60 days window provided. He advised the operators to forward all required documentations to verify conflicting claims.

Capt. Usman admonished the operators to be alive to their responsibilities and challenges. He added that operators should take advantage  of various Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) entered into by the Federal Government to compete with their foreign counterparts thereby generating the much needed foreign exchange.

Concluding, the DG assured the operators that there will be a broader stakeholders’ forum very soon where various grievances could be looked into and addressed and charge the operators to fully embrace the Automation for the sake of transparency and an end to discrepancy over figures forthwith.

Over 20 airlines chief executives and their representatives attended the meeting. These include Arik Air, Medview, FirstNation, Chanchangi, Kings Airlines, Overland among others some of who also contributed richly to the issue of the day while the meeting lasted.

Arik launches ground transfer service for London passengers

Arik Explorer, Arik Air's leisure and packaged travel subsidiary, is launching a ground transfer service for London bound passengers from Heathrow Airport to destinations within London city. The ground transfer service is in collaboration with Puzzles Group and Hummingbird cars.

All London bound passengers departing Lagos will be able to book this service at Murtala Muhammed International Airport with the option to pay in Naira. With this service, London-bound passengers need not worry about having immediate access to foreign currency on arrival at Heathrow.

The collaboration makes the services of a reliable and reputable transport company accessible to Arik Air travelers from prices as low as thirty three pounds (£33) one way (or its Naira equivalent).

Arik Air passengers will be able to book this service at the Arik Explorer stand at the Arik Air check-in counter located in the departure hall of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos from May 3, 2016.

Union strike grounds operations at German airports

Airlines operating to some of Germany’s airports will be faced with difficulties today as the German Union Verdi will not allow services rendered to airlines.  Services such as ground handling, check-in and security services will be denied to operating airlines to Frankfurt, Munich, Dusseldorf and others. This is according to the Lufthansa airlines' website. “The German Union Verdi has announced a strike on Wednesday 27 April for the airports Frankfurt/Main, Munich, Dusseldorf, Cologne/Bonn, Dortmund and partly also Hannover-Langenhagen for ground handling, check-in and security services, as well as a section of the fire brigades.

On Wednesday 27 April, flight delays and cancellations may be expected for all airlines operating at these airports.”

Passengers going to these airports are advised to contact the airlines involved to ascertain status of their flight.

Air France Takes Delivery of 70th B777

Boeing announced that its organisation and Air France marked a milestone with the delivery of the airline's 70th 777.

According to Boeing, “The French flag carrier has played a pivotal role is the success of the 777 program and was the launch customer for both the 777-300ER in 2004 and the 777 Freighter in 2009. Air France took delivery of its first 777-200ER in March 1998.”

"The 777 range has been one of the pillars of Air France's fleet growth," said Frédéric Gagey, CEO of Air France. "The Boeing 777 has gained a reputation for its reliability, economic performance and comfort, offering our passengers the highest standards."

Since the late 1950s when it took delivery of its first 707, Air France has operated nearly every commercial airplane Boeing has produced. Today, the 777 is the workhorse of the Paris-based carrier's long-haul fleet, with the airline serving more than 179 destinations in 80 countries last year.

"Air France has successfully utilized 777 variants across both its passenger and cargo operations for two decades to remain at the forefront of commercial aviation in terms of performance, economics and passenger comfort," said John Wojick, senior vice president Global Sales and Marketing, Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We are honored that a carrier as prestigious as Air France has chosen the 777 to form the backbone of its long-haul fleet and are proud of our historic partnership that stretches back more than 60 years."

Air France is part of the Air France-KLM Group, which is the second largest 777 operator in the world. The Group also has unfilled orders for 25 787 Dreamliners as well as lease agreements for an additional 12 787s.

Overland commences Akure-Abuja route

Overland Airways, Nigeria’s leading commuter airline on 25 April, 2016  launched scheduled commercial flight services from Akure, the Ondo State capital, to Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory. This is according to a statement from the airline.

The flights which will be operated three times weekly on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, demonstrate a strategic partnership with the government and people of Ondo, the Sunshine State, to accelerate economic development in the State and its environs.

The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko; the Attorney-General of Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede; Chief of Staff, Dr. Kola Ademujimi; Commisioner for  Transport and high-level government dignitaries, traditional heads and excited Ondo State citizens were present to mark the launch of Akure-Abuja flights.

Governor Mimiko expresses government’s desire to utilize air transport in enhancing economic development in Ondo State, as he commends Overland Airways for their courage and pioneer spirit to establish flights from Akure to Abuja.

The Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo, who flew the aircraft on the inaugural flight, says the airline is committed to support development in Ondo State.

“The commencement of the flight services today goes to show the deep commitment and passion of Overland Airways to the continued and accelerated opening up of economies within Nigeria; and connecting Ondo State’s economy is important to our existence as a devoted corporate citizen. We are back and ready for the challenges of being providers of this important economic service,” says Capt. Edward Boyo, CEO of Overland Airways.

“We salute the vision of the government and people of Ondo State to make air connectivity of Akure to especially Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory, through Overland Airways a reality today. We deeply appreciate the warmth and spirit of partnership from the good people of the Sunshine State.

“Overland Airways is here for the long-term, as we are partners in the growth and development of Ondo State. We want to see the cocoa farms and associated investments flourish. We want to see the rich art and craft heritage of Ondo State excel. We are in Ondo State to provide the platform that gives investors, tourists, and economic development partners easy access to Ondo State. In furtherance of our long-term commitment in the state, Overland Airways will be opening its City Ticketing Offices in Akure, Ondo town and Ekiti, in our bid to stay closer to the people and provide prompt solution to their ticketing and related needs in the comfort of their localities. From today, you can see the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he also adds.

Mrs. Aanu Benson, Chief Operating Officer of Overland Airways, says: “Ondo State is fondly called the Sunshine State, which symbolizes light, life and vibrancy; and naturally Ondo has a gamut of natural resources including mineral deposits and fertile agricultural land, and impressive hills, etc. The State also offers some of the country’s most iconic tourism sites, as well as a rich blend of culture and tradition which makes Ondo State a key destination for investors. Overland Airways flight services come in time to support the renewed efforts of Ondo State government to fast-track economic rejuvenation in the State.

Given the location of Akure and development of other modes of transportation, Overland Airways offers the safest, fastest and most reliable means of movement to and from Akure,” she notes.

Nigeria CAA directs domestic scheduled and non-scheduled airlines to pay

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA has directed all domestic scheduled and non-scheduled airline operators in the country to remit  charges meant to be paid to the authority. This is according to a statement from the  CAA's General Manager Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye titled: '' FORWARD ALL UNREMITTED FUNDS IN FULL NOW''.  

The statement in detail:    

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed all Airlines (Domestic & Charter) operating in the country to forward in full unremitted funds accruable to the Authority without further delay.

This directive was handed down  at  a meeting with the operators on non-remittance of 5% Ticket, Cargo and Charter Sales Charges [TSA/TCA] held at the Authority's Headquarters Annex Wednesday, 20th April, 2016.

The Director General of the NCAA, Capt.Muhtar Usman presided at the meeting in company of the Authority's top management staff.

According to the DG, the directive is with regards to the 5% TSA/TCA collected at source from the air passengers by the airlines on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria.

These sales charges are to enable all aviation agencies carry out their responsibilities of providing safe, secure and efficient regulatory  services for the overall benefits of all aviation stakeholders.

The meeting cover the following  areas:

It is imperative that all unremitted funds must be forwarded in full to the NCAA immediately. The airlines must desist from using these funds ‘’held in trust’’;

The ongoing 5% Ticket/Cargo/Charter/Sales Charges automation of payments which offers real-time transparent transactions must be completed within two(2) months. This will remove endless reconciliation of data and reduce high debt profile of Airlines to NCAA;

Reconciliation of all outstanding debts must be completed within sixty(60) days;

The 5% Ticket/ Cargo/ Sales Charges must be On Gross Ticket excluding VAT and Passenger Service Charge(PSC) only;

All airlines must provide to the Authority the breakdown of the recently introduced ‘’Taxes+Fees’’ component on all passenger tickets which include the amount due to each Government Agency, i.e

i.)FAAN-Passenger Service Charge (PSC);

           ii.)Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS)-5% VAT; and

           iii.) NCAA 5% Ticket Sales Charges (TSC)

Any add-on charge, surcharge (i.e. fuel surcharges-(YQ, etc) or any other miscellaneous added on passenger ticket must be approved by the Authority before applying these charges on passenger tickets.

After exhaustive deliberations between NCAA team led by the DG on one hand and Operators by Capt Chimara O. Imediegwu of First nation on the other, agreement was reached by all parties on all the issues raised.

The Operators however asked for adjournment till next week Wednesday the 27th of April, 2016 to enable the Airlines hold further consultations on the Time Line and its implementations.

In attendance were  the top  officials from  DANA Airlines, Azman Airlines, Medview Airlines, Chanchangi, Overland Airways etc

Signed:

SAM ADUROGBOYE

GM, PUBLIC RELATIONS,

NCAA.

Documents by Arik Air substantiating payment and reconciliation to FAAN

IATA to hold Aviation Day Africa Conference in Abuja

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) will be organizing Aviation Day Africa Conference  in Abuja, Nigeria in May. IATA announced that the theme for the 2016 Aviation Day Africa taking place between May 23 - May 24, 2016 is,  "Driving African Economies through the Power of Aviation."

According to IATA in a statement, “the conference will bring together regional stakeholders to address current issues affecting aviation in Africa including the proliferation of taxes and charges, public-private partnerships, aviation, safety, security, next generation airports and market connectivity.

Aviation in Africa carries over 70 million passengers a year, supports more than 6.9 million jobs on the continent and generates over $80 billion in GDP. Over the next five years the African economy is forecast to grow at a strong 4.7% per year, well above the global average rate.  For the continent to realize its full economic potential, aviation – particularly commercial air transport - must be prioritized.”

Raphael Kuuchi, Vice President Africa, IATA said, "Governments and organizations need to focus not only on national issues but also on the strategic development of pan-African aviation. Policies that promote investment in air transport infrastructure, improve safety and enhance air connectivity must be implemented. Aviation has the potential to make a much more significant contribution to economic growth and development within the continent if its power is unleashed."

"The conference is a great opportunity for Africa’s key stakeholders to debate the industry’s most pressing issues and align actions to address the challenges. Through harnessing the power of aviation we will be helping to build a brighter future—not only for individual airlines and the air transport industry, but for all Africans, who will benefit with greater prosperity through jobs and opportunities," said Hussein Dabbas, IATA’s Regional Vice President for Africa and The Middle East.

The Africa Day Conference speaker line-up reflects a broad spectrum of aviation stakeholders from governments, policy makes, regulators, airlines and manufactures.

Arik Air suspends all domestic operations on union’s disruption

Due to National Union of Air Transport Employees, NUATE’s disruption of Arik Air’s operations this morning, the airline announced that it is suspending all domestic flight operations.

This is contained in a statement from the airline. “The current situation is deeply out of control of Arik Air and the management of the airline has been compelled to suspend all domestic operations for today. This will remain in force until such a time the unfortunate situation is resolved.

Arik Air sincerely apologize for the inconveniences the FAAN workers’ union action may have caused its esteemed passengers. We live to serve the needs of the people of the great nation Nigeria.”

 Earlier in the statement the airline said, “the Federal Airports of Nigeria (FAAN) workers’ union on Wednesday morning (today) blocked the operations of Arik Air at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.”

“Workers of the airline were prevented from gaining access to their duty posts thereby disrupting the day’s operations.

The action by the workers’ union is connected with the long-standing and unsubstantiated claim by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) of spurious indebtedness of the airline to the agency which is now before a Federal High Court in Lagos at the instance of FAAN.

For several months, the management of Arik Air and FAAN have been meeting to reconcile payment accounts between the two institutions. The reconciliation process is still ongoing until the latest actions by the union.”-said Arik

According to the airline, “this is not the first time that FAAN workers’ union will be taking the laws into their hands by disrupting operations of Arik Air.

We look forward to working collaboratively with FAAN and other aviation agencies to resolve the impasse and return to our core purpose of providing essential world class services to the people of Nigeria.”

Nahco clinch laurels at the Nigerian Risk Awards

… Appoints Arc Usman Bello as Free Zone Chairman

One of Nigeria’s top player in ground handling business, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc, (nahco aviance) emerged the overall winner in the Public /Technology/Healthcare/Transportation & Aviation Industry category of the 2015/2016 edition of the Nigerian Risk Awards.

According to Nahco, “the award is a testimony to the Company’s spirit of resilience and hard work. Having emerged the runner-up in the last edition, it took creative efforts on the part of the Company to clinch the award, just a year after.”

Nahco aviance was scored by  the judges as the winner in a field that parades top brands.

In the words of Adewale Akinwale, Head, Enterprise Risk Management of the Company, “nahco aviance earned this through our hard work and commitment to safety, efficiency and dedication towards improving our bottom-line revenue in the interest of our shareholders.”

According to him, the Company recorded a 99.6 percent reduction in cargo claims in the year under review, from N53 Million in 2014 to less than N200, 000 in 2015. 

“We had zero aircraft damages. We cut our cargo claims payment down from N53, 434,096.03 in 2014 to just N177, 356.78 in 2015. We achieved all these despite the threat of economic collapse due to 2015 general election fears, highly volatile foreign exchange rates which led to reductions in cargo volumes and passenger numbers, crippling fuel scarcity situations which grounded many organizations to a halt and in the face of an unethical industry competition”.

Also, NAHCO Free Trade Zone (NFZ), a subsidiary of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC has announced the appointment of Arc Usman Arabi Bello as Chairman. Bello, who was before now the Vice Chairman of the Company, took over from Mr. Bolaji Balogun who retired in March, 2016.

A widely-travelled properly expert, Bello is also an administrator of repute. His directional managerial responsibilities cover the consultancy consortium Ericon Bello & Associates and its subsidiary, Arabi Bello & Associates, where he is principal partner.

He sits on the boards of quite a number of companies including HNB Security and Protection Company Limited as Chairman; Bello Group of Companies and Zycom Surveillance Inc.

Architect Bello’s professional career in Architecture and other related fields has been purposeful and productive. A long standing member of the Nigeria Institute of Architects and Architects Registration Council of Nigeria, Bello has brought his own signature approach to the design and execution of buildings to enrich the built environment. His works are legion in parts of Nigeria notably Kaduna, Yola, Lagos and Abuja.

Bello had been with the NAHCO Free Trade Zone since its establishment and has significantly contributed to its growth. His new assignment would enable him give focused guidance to the executive management of the Company.

NFZ is a product of nahco aviance diversification strategy which went full flare a few  years back.

FAAN Advocates Collaboration at ACI, Cairo

 R-L:The MD/CEO of FAAN, Engr Saleh Dunoma welcomes the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Sherif Fathy to the podium of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria at the opening ceremony of ACI Africa Regional Conference and Exhibition in Cairo, Egypt from 10 - 12 April 2016.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will continue to play a leading role in advocating collaboration among aviation stakeholders to address major challenges in development of the air transport sector in Africa. 

The Managing Director of FAAN, Engr. Sale Dunoma, stated this while receiving the Egyptian Minister of Civil Aviation, Sherif Fathy at the exhibition stand of FAAN at the 55th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa board meeting and Regional Conference and Exhibition taking place in Cairo, Egypt, April 8 – 14, 2016.

According to him, the Federal Government of Nigeria is attracting private investors to partner and work with the Government to explore the various opportunities in the sector. 

According to him, “Nigerian airports are playing important international roles in linking the most populous country in Africa to the rest of the world, and it is constructing four new terminals to increase its capacity for facilitation and processing”. Earlier, while declaring the conference open, the Egyptian Minister of Aviation had said that his country was planning to boost capacities of its key airports. 

Angela Gittens, the Director-General of ACI worldwide, said the theme of the conference “Economic sustainability of African airports: Challenges and opportunities” would address improvements in aviation safety and security in the light of new threats affecting the industry. 

In his welcome address, Pascal Komla, president of ACI Africa had noted that the conference provided a unique opportunity for aviation executives, experts and exhibitors from across the globe to network, share information and forge a common vision for the future businesses of African airports. 

The 55th ACI Africa Board meeting and regional conference and exhibition presented a platform for industry experts to come together and explore the challenges faced by the continent and find solutions that would boost the economic growth of Africa. 

Africa World Airlines gets IOSA certification

(3rd on the right) Mr. Raphael Kuuchi, IATA Vice President for Africa presenting the certificate to  Mr. Samuel Thompson, Chief Operations Officer of AWA (2nd on the left) in Accra, Ghana on the 16  March, 2016 while the Area Manager West Africa for IATA Mr. Samson Fatokun (2nd on the right) and other officials look on

Africa World Airlines (AWA) has joined airlines around the world with the enviable IOSA Certification. After an intensive and rigorous process, AWA received the International Operational Safety Audit Programme (IOSA) certificate from IATA.  

Mr. Raphael Kuuchi, International Air Transport Association (IATA) Vice President for Africa presented the certificate to  Mr. Samuel Thompson, Chief Operations Officer of the airline in Accra, Ghana on the 16  March, 2016.

In his speech during the presentation IATA Vice President for Africa Mr. Kuuchi  said  the IOSA Certification is not mandatory for airlines but it is a  safety and security audit.  “it is a safety and security audit programme run by IATA globally. It is not mandatory, it is voluntary. But for the airlines that adopt it, it enhances their safety and operational effectiveness. It is a compilation of industry best practices and safety, and so we encourage all airlines to get it. Airlines that are IOSA-registered have the highest level of safety compared to the ones that are not IOSA.”

“What this means for AWA is recognised as one of the over-400 airlines with the highest safety hallmark or credentials. Many airlines that are IOSA-registered around the world will be seeking to do business with airlines who are also IOSA-registered. AWA now has to take advantage of this and get out there to try and work with other partner airlines that are IOSA-certified and try and grow their networks,” Kuuchi concluded.

In his response, the COO of the airline said, “with the IOSA certification, customers can have comfort knowing that an IOSA-registered airline actually complies with the stringent standards and practices governing aviation safety. “The IOSA certification also opens doors for alliances and partnerships with other IOSA registered Airlines. It also puts AWA on the map for good business opportunities,”  

In attendance at the event were   Minister of Transport for Ghana, Mrs. Dzifa Ativor, Area Manager West Africa for IATA Mr. Samson Fatokun,   Officials from China Africa Development (CAD) Fund, Ghana Civil Aviation Authority, Social Security and National Insurance Trust, South Africa Airlines and Emirate, Ghana Airport Company Limited and Zenith Bank, Ghana .

With its operational base in Accra Ghana, Africa World Airlines Limited (AWA) is a Ghanaian registered private-sector company formed with the sole vision of making air travel an option for majority of travelers within the markets in which it operates. AWA currently operates to Lagos, Nigeria. Also to Kumasi and Tamale all in Ghana with other routes coming soon.

ExecuJet opens a new Line Maintenance in Lagos

ExecuJet announced an extended Line Maintenance capability for EASA registered aircraft at its base in Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nigeria. In partnership with Maintenance Centre Malta (MCM), ExecuJet now supports a larger fleet of different aircraft types from Bombardier, Dassault and Hawker in the West Africa region.

BO Schjonning-larsen the Acting CEO and General Manager Maintenance Nigeria while responding to this new feat said,  "this agreement further improved the aircraft coverage that ExecuJet Aviation Nigeria is able to offer. Our current approvals makes us capable of releasing aircraft registered in Nigeria, South Africa, Cayman, Bermuda, Isle Of Man, Egypt and San Mario. With this new agreement in place with MCM we work as a line station of MCM Malta which can perform maintenance and release of aircraft registered in Europe which covers 32 member states."

Ettore Poggi, Vice President, ExecuJet Africa, says: “Through our world-class FBO and MRO services, ExecuJet has supported local and international business jet travellers and aircraft owners in West Africa for a number of years. As the approved Authorised Service Centre for Bombardier, Dassault, Hawker and Embraer Phenom products, we are delighted to be able to extend our capabilities and will be one of very few EASA line maintenance service providers in the region.”

The new partnership will also see the addition of a Part 145 approved workshop facility covering batteries, wheels and NDT (non-destructive testing) support.

ExecuJet’s Nigerian facility, which includes an FBO and MRO operation, has direct access to the airport’s main runway and taxiway. The facility is supported by 96 staff and services more than 100 aircraft in the region including 54 Bombardier aircraft, 17 Dassault Falcon aircraft and 21 Hawker models.

ExecuJet Aviation Group  also writes on its Twitter handle , “ We're excited to announce a new Line Maintenance Station for EASA aircraft at our base in Lagos, Nigeria.”

Skybrary.aero defines Line Maintenance as , “Aircraft maintenance activity carried out whilst the aircraft remains in the operating environment and is substantially fit to fly subject to specific, relatively straightforward, rectification tasks such as replacement of any component designated as an Line Replaceable Unit (LRU). Routine in-service Inspections and day-to-day Check actions in accordance with pre-determined schedules form a significant part of line maintenance activity.”

The ExecuJet Aviation Group is a global business aviation organisation offering aircraft management, charter, maintenance, completions management and FBO.

SAHCOL CEO CONGRATULATES MEDVIEW AIRLINES, PROMISES QUALITY HANDLING SERVICES

The Acting Managing Director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL), Rizwan Kadri has congratulated Medview Airlines for its new routes and expansions.

This compliment was made when the Acting Managing Director led a team of Management staff on a courtesy call on the Managing Director of Medview Airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, at his office, in Ikeja.

Rizwan Kadri, going back memory lane opined that Medview Airlines and SAHCOL has a long lasting relationship, hence believed that SAHCOL is more of a business partner to Medview Airlines, as a result promised that SAHCOL will continue to give Medview Airlines the best of ground handling services to support the Airline’s unique selling point of on-time departures.

The Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole while welcoming the Ag. Managing Director and his team, reminded them that the Medview Airlines’ unique selling point is ‘on-time departures’, which he believes SAHCOL is key in making possible.

Alh. Bankole recalled that the relationship between SAHCOL and Medview Airlines started in November, 2012. SAHCOL, according to him has come a long way in the making of the success story of Medview, such that they no longer see SAHCOL as part of its service providers but as partners.

The visit which gave the Acting Managing Director of SAHCOL an opportunity to meet with the Managing Director of Medview Airlines for the first time in an official capacity, also brought Management teams from both sides together in a relaxed atmosphere, while issues of mutual interest were progressively discussed.

SAHCOL is a major provider of Aviation Ground Handling Services in Nigeria. Offering services in Passenger Handling, Ramp Handling, Cargo Handling and Warehousing, Aviation security, Baggage Reconciliation, Crew Bus, Executive Lounge, and other related Ground Handling services.

 NBAC  raises awareness of perception, process and progress in Nigerian aviation

NBAC Operators Panel L to R – Achuzie Ezenagu MD/CEO Toucan Aviation Support Services; Gbemi Abudu, VP Sales and Marekting, ANAP Business Jets Ltd; Alex Izinyon, President, Izy Air; Alan Peaford, Chairman NBAC 

The third outing of the Nigerian Business Aviation Conference, held in Lagos clearly demonstrated the country’s progress in the business aviation sector, whilst confirming there was still a long way to go to bring it in line with the more established regions. Welcoming over 150 delegates and speakers Segun Demuren, CEO of EAN Aviation and host of NBAC 2016, opened the event by putting the importance of Nigerian business aviation in context. The Nigerian business aviation market is expanding, not only in terms of corporate jet users, but also in the fields of medevac, surveillance, logistics, agriculture, cargo, security and rescue services. In 2015 25% of the Nigerian annual aviation income, $685 million, was generated by the business aviation market, and it is set to continue to grow.  Consequently Demuren argued there is an increased need for maintenance services, infrastructure upgrades and developments in addition to an uptick in human resources. After all, “commercial aviation flies to where the money is, whilst business aviation flies to where the money will be,” he suggested.

A group of young entrepreneurs is maximising the opportunities presented by these statistics. More established companies such as Toucan Aviation, which provides long-term contract charter services to the energy sector, and Triton Aviation, a full aviation services company have been joined by a number of younger companies buoying up the sector. In May last year, ANAP Jets launched a business providing fractional ownership of Embraer 300 aircraft, which are the perfect aircraft for reaching internal and regional destinations. Whilst Izy Air is developing a continually expanding aviation services business offering charter, aircraft sales, and management services across not just Nigeria, but all of Africa. This new blood added dynamism to the conference and is bolstering the sector’s growth as well.

However the community is still up against a raft of challenges. ANAP Jets Chairman Atedo Peterside asked why the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority pushes for the same operational standards for his business with two Embraers as with a commercial airline. Ironically the post holders and human resources required to fulfil the guidelines to be awarded an AOC pushes operators into the commercial aviation category. The authorities say this is under review.

Taxation also continues to penalise the industry, import duties on spare parts means they are often held up in customs, and whilst Nigeria is part of the Cape Town Convention there is still excise duty to pay on imported aircraft. There is also talk of a luxury tax which delegates agreed was ridiculous when only one in one hundred flights is used for leisure travel. It also explains why there is confusion surrounding when an operator needs an AOC. As Dr Harold Demuren, retired head of the NCAA succinctly put it, “Thou shalt not operate an aircraft in the public transport category for hire or reward unless you have an AOC. It’s the law of the land.” However it became apparent that in a fledgling market like Nigeria there are many keen to be involved in business aviation, but who have minimal or no experience. This causes concern in terms of regulations, safety, and is an area that all agreed needs more awareness, and operations.

Developing safety procedures and a robust infrastructure to support them is essential to the growth of business aviation in the region. Examples of GSM masts randomly placed, airports using out of date charts without being aware, and the lack of information about services available, all mean that operators must do their research to operate safely. Achuzie Ezenagu of Toucan argued that for Nigerian business aviation, “to go to a better place it is the institutional imperative of the nation, from a building point of view, to invest.” On some levels tis clashes with media and public perception that business aviation is for the elite and delegates suggested a national media campaign would dispel many myths. The call for nation building stimulated debate about the option of Public Private Partnerships in order to give the industry a boost, as inevitably poor infrastructure will deter investment. “Investment in infrastructure opens up regions after all, and it is up to the aviation community to educate the government,” added Ezenagu.

MRO still face challenges in Nigeria as the costs remain prohibitive for set up. A number of Nigerians are being trained internationally with the aim of returning with skills to develop MRO locally. However as new models enter the region, foreign pay and conditions remain attractive, and many Nigerian aircraft owners have a second home outside of the country where MRO facilities are available, imminent change is unlikely. A call for aviation manufacturing was made from the floor, which circled the discussion back to the need for the nation to invest in the sector.

The conference ended with a call from participants for the development of a Nigerian business aviation group, which would meet quarterly, to educate and lobby the government about regulations and policies, tax reduction, and infrastructure investment. As Dr Demuren added, “If you can build 4km of road you can go 4km, but if you can build 4km of runway you can go all over the world.”

NAHCO Appoints Ode Executive Director

 Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC, (nahco aviance), has announced the appointment of Mrs. Folashade Ode as Executive Director, Corporate, Legal Services and Company Secretary.

The appointment was announced just as the retirement of Mr. Bolaji Balogun and Arc Usman Arabi Bello from the board of the Company took effect.

Ode, whose appointment takes immediate effect, would execute her new office with the former role of Company Secretary.

The new ED is a graduate of Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos, where she obtained her LL.B (HONS) and an MBA in international business. She is a member of many professional bodies, including the Nigeria Bar Association, International Bar Association and Nigeria Institute of Management.

Ode is a highly motivated and hardworking solicitor with over twenty-five years cognate experience in corporate and commercial law and has exhibited unparalleled professionalism in the course of her career.

She has a diploma in Insurance, a Law degree from the Lagos State University (class of 1990) and was called to the bar in 1991, She obtained her MBA (International Business) in 2005 from the Lagos State University.

She has attended several leadership and management courses in Nigeria and abroad.

Ode is a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association and the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM).

She has contributed immensely to the growth of the Company.