The oldest domestic airline operator in Nigeria,
Aerocontractors has suspended its Lagos-Accra operation due to inadequate
aircraft and inaccessibility to foreign exchange. Aero is the oldest Nigerian
airline operating the route from Lagos.
Also, a new entrant on the route Dana Air has suspended
operations.
Confirming the situation, the Managing Director and the
Chief Executive of the airline, Jacky Hathiramani said it was due to high cost of foreign exchange
and some other factors.
Aviationages gathered that Aerocontractors suspended operations on
the route months ago while Dana Air’s was few weeks ago. Responding to the
challenges facing Aerocontractors, the National President of the National
Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), Balami Isaac said Aero
has only two or three aircraft flying due to foreign exchange challenge. “Aero
has about 17 aircraft only about two or three is flying now. And we have over
1,500 staff. We have our aircraft in
Jordan. We cannot access dollar from CBN
to bring them back. There are
some that their engines are due for
maintenance. Once there is no aircraft after 60 days, NCAA will withdraw
the AOC of Aerocontractors. We do not
want that to happen to Aero. I think for the sake of Nigerians that are working
there. Aero will be 57 years old.” Balami made the comments when paying courtesy
visit to the Minister of State (Aviation), Sen. Hadi Sirika.
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