Aero Contractors Suspends Schedule Operations from Tomorrow

One of the oldest domestic airline operators in Nigeria, Aero Contractors Airlines has announced that it would suspend its scheduled services from tomorrow, Thursday September 1, 2016. A statement from the Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu said the development was part of the strategic business realignment to reposition the airline and return it to the part of profitability.

This business decision, which is a result of the current economic situation in the country, has forced some other airlines to suspend operation or out rightly pull out of Nigeria. In the case of Aero, Akinkuotu said the airline had faced grave challenges in the past six months which impacted its business and by extension the scheduled services operations. These factors, according to him are both internal and external environmental factors that have made it difficult for the foremost airline to continue its scheduled services.

He said during the period in review, Aero, which was hitherto revered for its safety, timeliness among other virtues witnessed epileptic operations and services to the external publics that are caused by non-alignment of fundamental issue of the business, which in some cases have been frustrating and embarrassing to all parties including staff, customers and indeed all stakeholders.

As part of its resolve to ensure the airline survived unlike most other carriers that experienced short life span in the country, AMCON had appointed Mr. Adeniyi Adegbomire SAN as Receiver Manager in February 6, 2016, with the aim of turning the airline around. Since AMCON's intervention in Aero Contractors in 2011, it has provided support for the airline to meet working capital requirements and fleet expansion. These were to ensure the airline remains a going concern providing services to various clients and the general public.

Unfortunately, the operating environment within and outside the airline have hindered any possible progress especially in the last six months when the Naira depreciated against the dollar thus making it impossible for the airline to achieve its operational targets.

With these realities coupled with protracted engagements with all relevant stakeholders, the Management of Aero has strenuously reviewed and assessed options and opportunities on ensuring viability, safety and sustainability of operations during the period with a lot of sacrifices.

“The impact of the external environment has been very harsh on our operational performance, hence management decision to suspend scheduled services operations indefinitely effective September 1, 2016 pending when the external opportunities and a robust sustainable and viable plan is in place for Aero Contractors to recommence its scheduled services. The implication of the suspension of scheduled services operations extends to all staffs directly and indirectly involved in providing services as they are effectively to proceed on indefinite leave of absence during the period of non-services,” the Chief Executive Officer stated.

He added that “We are aware of the impact this will have on our staff and our highly esteemed customers, hence we have initiated moves to ensure that we are able to return back to operations within the shortest possible time, offering reliable, safe and secure operations, which the airline is known for.”

FAAN restores power at Lagos Airport

The management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has restored power at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Lagos after the outage that paralysed activities at the busiest airport in Nigeria that . According to a Station Manager of one of the foreign airlines operating at the terminal confirmed this today. “The power has been restored since yesterday and every activity has normalised”-he said.

Yakubu Dati, the General Manager Corporate Affairs of FAAN corroborates the restoration of the power through a statement. “The Management of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wish to inform the general public that power has been fully restored at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, shortly after a power outage.”-Dati

“A power surge from the PHCN at about 8:56pm on Saturday 27th August, adversely affected the k16 transformer that serves the E-Wing  Air-bridges and rendered them unserviceable. This affected operations of some departing flights, as the heavy rainfall further delayed attempts by engineers to effect repairs immediately”

FAAN said, “by 10:50am on Sunday 28th August, the engineers successfully corrected all defaults and normalcy was again restored at affected areas.”

FAAN apologises to passengers, airlines and the general public for the inconvenience caused by the interruption.

Nigeria’s EAN Aviation Appears First on NATA Global FBO Map

…becomes first African Safety 1st Qualified Location to appear.

Beating other African Fixed Based Organisations (FBOs) to it, Nigeria’s EAN Aviation, a business aviation services company,  “has become the first Safety 1st Qualified African location, to be listed on the US National Air Transportation Association’s, (NATA), Global FBO Map. Whilst the programme certifies individuals, not locations or companies, it established the Safety 1st Qualified location platform to recognise FBOs that consistently maintain their employee’s training status.”

EAN currently has a total of 17 active students registered on the NATA training programmes. Leading by example CEO, Segun Demuren, has joined four of his colleagues in following a customer service module, whilst other employees are enrolled in Professional Line Service Training (PLST), and Health and Safety courses. 

According to a statement from the company, “EAN has been investing in NATA training since launch, and was initially recognized by NATA when the Safety 1st Qualification was awarded to thirteen of the operations team in 2013. A minimum of eight internal audits, and four external audits, are undertaken each year to verify that the safety and service levels are maintained.”

The addition of EAN to NATA’s Global FBO map demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to putting safety first using the best practices and industry standards. NATA’s map was launched in April as part of a wider campaign to educate aircraft operators about the benefits of utilizing FBOs, and ground handlers, that are Safety 1st Qualified and/or IS-BAH registered.

For EAN the map listing gives credit to its continued focus on providing the highest levels of service to the industry. It also supports business development as it makes the FBO an attractive place to work, and inspires a culture of safety and security. Customers can also be confident that their aircraft, luggage, catering, and paperwork is being handled by internationally trained and qualified FBO personnel.

“I am extremely proud of my team and the way they have maintained their safety levels since the start. To be internationally recognised by one of the best associations in the world of general aviation means a lot to the company, our customers and the African business aviation community,” said Demuren.

EAN has also applied for IS-BAH status and hopes to become the second African location to appear on NATA’s Global FBO map with this certification. It already has all the necessary procedures, training and ongoing IS-BAH standards in place, and anticipates receiving certification within the next six months.

EAN owns and operates the first fully integrated FBO and maintenance facility in Lagos, a private terminal dedicated to business aviation.

Skyjet Aviation Services Limited office unseal by FIRS today

 The Skyjet Aviation Services Limited has been reopened for business by the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS). The company that was sealed on Wednesday 17 August, 2016 has since been reopened at the early hours of  today after the organisations have reached resolution concerning alleged tax default on Company Income Tax (CIT) and Withholding Tax (WIT).

Confirming this is the Managing Director of Skyjet, Shirish Raval  who said, “there was some communication gaps between the company and inland revenue enforcement unit which they were not aware of.  They were also not aware of some discharged obligation, which would not have warranted the sealing of the office in the first place.”

Both entities have agreed to reconcile positions on identified areas in contention.

“The operations of the company have since commenced and our office reopened by them”- says Raval .

The company is at the verge of putting up a state-of-the-art maintenance facility in Abuja. In addition to Aircraft Charter, SkyJet also provides Aircraft Sales, Aircraft Maintenance, and Aircraft Management. The company has a current Aircraft Operating Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and an Aircraft Maintenance Organization Certificate (AMO) NCAA.

SkyJet Aviation Services Limited is the commercial sales representative to Gulfstream Aerospace Corporations  in central Africa covering Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and Zanzibar.

Also, Skyjet Aviation is the sales representative for the Viking Twin Otter Series 400 in multiple central African countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, Kenya, Egypt, Uganda, Sudan, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Chad, Mali, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Gabon. The Maldives and the Seychelles archipelagos, proven markets for the Series 400 Twin Otter, are also their coverage areas.

Delta introduces world’s first all-suite business class with Delta One suite

… To be introduced in 2017 on Delta’s Airbus A350 fleet

  The Atlanta based Delta Air Lines is redefining international business class travel with the introduction of the Delta One suite, the first business class cabin to feature a sliding door at each suite.

According to the airline, “Designed with an emphasis on exceptional customer comfort and privacy, the Delta One suite offers each customer a private space accessed by a sliding door with thoughtfully designed personal stowage areas, an advanced in-flight entertainment system and premium trim and finishes to create an unparalleled business class experience with a comfortable, residential feel.”

The Delta One suite will debut on Delta’s first Airbus A350, due to enter service in fall 2017. Each aircraft will feature 32 suites.

In addition to full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access, which the airline introduced eight years ago, the Delta One suite features:

 - A full-height door – an industry first for a business class cabin

- Sliding privacy dividers between center suites

- In-suite, customizable ambient lighting

-Dedicated stowage compartments for shoes, headphones and laptops

- Contemporary design featuring premium trim and finishes

- Memory foam-enhanced comfort cushion

-An 18-inch, high resolution in-flight entertainment monitor, the largest among U.S. carriers

-A universal power outlet and high-powered USB port at every seat

“Delta constantly listens to customers and responds with products that deliver what they want. After setting the standard with the introduction of full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access in 2008, Delta is again elevating the international business class experience,” said Tim Mapes, Delta’s Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. “Added comfort and privacy are important to business travelers, and that drove the design of the all-new Delta One suite.”

Delta completed installation of full flat-bed seats with direct aisle access on all of its widebody aircraft operating long-haul international flights in 2014. Delta One service includes the features Delta customers have grown to expect, such as chef-curated meals, wine pairings by Delta’s Master Sommelier Andrea Robinson, Westin Heavenly In-Flight Bedding, noise-canceling headsets, Tumi amenity kits featuring Kiehl’s Since 1851 premium skincare, and in-flight loungewear on select flights.

Following the A350 debut, the Delta One suite will progressively roll out on Delta’s Boeing 777 fleet. Delta will be the first U.S. airline to take delivery of the A350, which will primarily serve routes between the U.S. and Asia.

dre aviation Appoints Country Representative In Nigeria

dre Aviation announced the  appointment of  Mr Obinna Onyenso  as the Country Representative in Nigeria.

dre Aviation is the General Sales Agent (GSA)  to Meridiana Fly, an Italian airline operating into Nigeria.

Mr Obinna Onyenso joins the senior team at dre aviation and will act as their central point of contact in Nigeria for all company compliance, oversight and commercial matters. Dre Aviation made the announcement through their Linkedin account.

Obinna is an expert in commercial aviation and also holds the post of Executive Director at Pathfinders International Limited and has a diverse career in aviation security, commercial aviation support, including roles as AVSEC provider for British Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, South Africa Airways to name a few.

A spokesman for the progressive West African airline consultancy and airline service provider firm commented  that "Obinna has excellent credentials and is the ideal appointment for us in Nigeria. Integrity, Compliance and Focus on Delivery are his core attributes and he fits the criteria of our organisation very well. His personal and ethical standards have been known to our organisation over many years and many interactions. He is immediately tasked with the oversight and compliance our of Operations support role for Meridiana Fly and will also setup the commercial solution as part of our GSA remit in Nigeria."

Commenting on the appointment, Founder and Managing Partner of dre aviation, Mr Sukhjinder Mann stated that "I have known Obinna for many years and am full of immense respect for him, his integrity and loyalty and passion for our industry has been on my radar for many years. I am proud that we have formalised his role and he now represents me directly in Nigeria. dre aviation couldn't have a better ambassador in Nigeria. Obinna's immediate tasks will be to oversee the Meridiana Fly GSA and Operations Supervision roles that were recently assigned to us in Nigeria. He will also be responsible for rolling out our future projects and airline support initiatives."

Dana Air supports United Nations Youth Day Celebration

In order to contribute to the environment where it operates Dana Air has continued commitment to youth empowerment across the country where it supported the United Nations International Youth Day Celebration in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

 According to the airline, “Youth Leading Sustainability with special focus on eradication of poverty globally in 2030 through sustainable consumption and preservation,  the United Nations International Youth Day, is observed annually on 12 August. It is an opportunity for governments and others to draw attention to youth issues worldwide.”

The accountable Manager of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo in his remarks said, ‘’the present economic situation entails that we support the government in any way possible, to change the mind-set of the youth to come up with initiatives geared towards economic growth.  We are committed  the development of the youths in Nigeria and Africa in general and we will continue to partner and support projects that will serve as launch pad for our youths.’’

The project leader of Character and Success Project, the organizers of the International Youth Day Celebration Live in Uyo, Mr Gideon Ekanem, said “ this year’s event is designed to celebrate and promote youth activities towards global poverty and eradication in 2030. Also as part of our activities for the day, we shall massively mobilize about over 500 youth for a road show carnival and clean up exercise through major roads in the spirit of the celebration.’’ He thanked Dana Air for playing a leading role in seeking solutions to the problems of the society in which it operates.

Dana Air, through its charitable trust- Sri Sai Verdana foundation, has been serving as avenue through which the airline fulfills her cooperate social responsibility to the society.  The airline is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines, operating over 27 daily flights to Abuja, Lagos, Port-Harcourt, Owerri and Uyo,

SAHCOL Handles 2016 Hajj Operations

Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) has commenced the provision of handling services for the 2016 Hajj operations, with the take off of the Medview Airlines B747-400 aircraft first flight from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Hajj/Cargo Terminal to Saudi Arabia with about 450 pilgrims.

SAHCOL shall be providing total ground handling services, covering Ramp, Passenger and Baggage to the three officially accredited airlines (Medview Airline, Max Air and Fly Nas) to ferry pilgrims and their baggage to and from Saudi Arabia this year. This is according to the company in a statement.

 SAHCOL, known for providing quality and efficient Ground Handling Services , in line with best practices and highest International standards, utilizing state-of-the-art equipment, skills, procedures, facilities, and employing professional and dedicated workforce has already deployed personnel and equipment to designated airports, amongst which are Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Kaduna, Kebbi, Bauchi and Port Harcourt.

With a culture of excellence where the provision of quality ground handling is mentioned, SAHCOL is once again poised to ensure that it remains a reference point where the efficiency of a successful 2016 Hajj operation is born.

Meanwhile, SAHCOL has been given exclusive rights to the handling of all outbound and inbound flights operating from and to Bauchi and Kebbi for this year’s Hajj.

The Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, which handles International scheduled and Adhoc operations and Domestic airlines, has been a leading handler of Hajj Operations in Nigeria for years.

Delta Air Lines operations’ recovery

Gradually, Delta Air Lines is recovering from the outage that disrupted the global operations.

According to a statement from the airline consultant in Lagos: “Delta flight from Atlanta arrived Lagos at about 4pm local Nigerian Time on Tuesday 9th August as airline steadily resumes flight operations after loss of power impacted the airline’s operations system wide.”

"We were able to bring our systems back on line and resume flights within a few hours yesterday but we are still operating in recovery mode,” said Dave Holtz, S.V.P. – Operations and Customer Center.

“We are sorry for what many of our customers have experienced over the past 24 hours, including those who remain at airports and continue waiting for their flights. We are doing everything we can to return our operation to normal reliability, but we do expect additional delays and cancellations.”

The airline said it cancelled around 1,000 flights Monday. “Customers traveling should check the status of their flight at delta.com<http://delta.com/> or the Fly Delta App. Customers can rebook their flight via the website.‎”

The airline also said, “where available, customers are being provided with hotel rooms and other accommodations if a cancellation requires an overnight stay.”

NAHCO to handle 204 flights on Hajj

The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) will be handling 204 flights of the ongoing Hajj operations in and out of Nigeria. The organization made this known in a statement

“As part of the current operation which started off in the country at the weekend, it is estimated that NAHCO will handle a minimum of 99 outbound and 105 inbound flights from ten airports across the country”.

The NAHCO is establishing itself at the forefront of facilitating the ongoing airlift of thousands of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, even as it assures investors and stakeholders that it continues to operate at full swing to bring value to shareholders funds.

The Head of Corporate Services of the Company, Mr. Ahmed Bashir Gulma, pointed out that every year at this season, NAHCO had always put its services at the behest of muslim devotees performing their religious obligation by assisting them in ensuring a hassle – free handling to the holy land.

According to Gulma, “We collaborate with the airlines, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Federal Government in ensuring that muslim faithfuls on pilgrimage get excellent passenger handling on their way to and from the holy land.”

The airports on the schedule of NAHCO include Abuja, Sokoto, Katsina, Ilorin and Bauchi. Others are Gombe, Maiduguri, Yola, Minna and Kaduna.

The promise to make this year’s passenger handling service for Hajj exceptional comes as the Company’s management assured investors, regulators and other stakeholders that it was doing all within its power to resolve the issue regarding the recent visit of operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to its offices.

Also, the Company said in a statement that: “As a Publicly Quoted Company, NAHCO is guided by its Apex Regulator, The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the listing rules. We are also aware of our shareholder rights as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, extant rules and the mutual investment protection treaty covering European strategic investors on our Board. As such, this information update has become necessary.”

It further pointed out that as a regulated and listed business entity with strong international Corporate Governance credentials, NAHCO believes that SEC and NSE should be aware of any petition and are in the best position to provide guidance, proper feedback and/or even sanctions regarding any alleged infractions by a regulated entity.

While declaring that it still awaits details from the investigating authorities as is the practice worldwide so as to ensure the protection of both local and international investors’ interests, NAHCO asserts its envious CV as a fully privatized Company, with one of the most successful privatization track records for eleven years with zero Government interests.

NAHCO’s Management further assures that the event of the past weeks had been properly managed as to have little or minimal impact on operations and business continuity.

NAHCO AVIANCE therefore reassures its numerous customers, shareholders and its European Union strategic investors that Company operations are unhindered under the current situation.

Airline Operators in Nigeria charge FG on Jet A1

Responding to the shortage of aviation fuel popularly known as Jet A1 bedeviling the airline operations in Nigeria, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency to address the acute shortage of Jet Fuel that the country has been experiencing in recent times.

 The call was made by the Chairman of AON Captain Nogie Meggison on the heels of a consistent unavailability of the product in the past week for airlines to conduct their operations thereby leading to 50% delays or cancellation of flights.

According to Meggison, “We have been forced to cry out about the perennial problem at this juncture because it continues to put us in a difficult situation to go an extra mile to fulfill our obligations to our esteemed customers in spite of the inconveniences that go with it. However, we are at the mercy of the oil marketers and many times our hands are tied such that we are left with no other option than to cancel flights,”

Speaking further, the AON Chairman noted that together with the shortage of Jet A-1 the marketers have been increasing the price consistently to an unbearable point. “Till April this year, I bought Jet A1 Fuel for N105 a liter. About a month ago the price jumped to N145. Two weeks later it rose to about N200 a liter. Today the price has skyrocketed above N200 a litre. This has greatly increased our operational cost.

“For instance, considering that the cost of fuel accounts for about 40% of the operational cost of most airlines, the colossal rise in price of the product by over 100% has equally increased the operational cost astronomically. In the light of this, our feasibility studies and financial projections are greatly threatened thereby putting the airlines in a dangerous and difficult financial position.

Meggison also said:“Customers that have been seriously stretched due to the economic hard time facing them and their disposable income seriously reduced or erased. For most of them now the alternative means of travel is going by road; our major competitor. It should be put on record however that road transport uses Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) also known as Petrol, which is highly supported or assisted by the Federal government with exchange rate of N285 and available to marketers. Airlines on the other hand don’t have such foreign exchange support or availability from our government with regards to helping to make Jet Fuel available to airlines or at an affordable price.”

“PMS forex allocation is being given regularly to importers at N285 to the dollar, and the road transporters don’t pay 5% VAT or the Regulatory 5% Ticket Sales Tax or any of the other multiple taxes being charged to the airlines today, where as much as 35% of a total ticket price are taxes and levies. And apart from the question of no support in fixed rate of jet fuel, government is not making dollar available for the airlines to carry out their operations. To this end therefore, it would seem like the airlines are being undermined.”

During a recent visit to the Honorable Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the AON Chairman in the company of a delegation of members called on the Honourable Minister of State ,Aviation (HMSA) promised to use his respected office to bear on all those concerned to urgently address the crippling fuel shortage and to come up with a lasting solution, even if it means AON getting forex allocation directly from government to import its own fuel as it is currently being done with PMS.

The Minister assured the delegation of his understanding and promised to look into the matter. “I have mentioned the problem to the GMD of NNPC and there were plans to get the Port Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries on-stream before the end of the 2016 to begin to refine Jet A1 locally so as to make the product more readily available at an affordable price,”

The AON Chairman, Capt. Nogie Meggison therefore appealed for the government to please note that  the operations of domestic airlines is one of the main stay and a pivot for any country’s economy as well as a catalyst for recovery of the fragile Nigerian economy. “We are looking forward to the Honourbale Minister of State for Aviation to come up with a quick fix before the Nigerian airlines are pushed or forced out of business”.

PRESS RELEASE:NCAA BEGINS CERTIFICATION OF AVIATION SECURITY SCREENERS

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has commenced full implementation of certification of all Aviation Security Screeners in the nation’s airports.

This is in accordance to the provision of ICAO Certification System (Annex 17 Standards 3.4.3) for aviation security personnel and the requirements of National Civil Aviation Security Training Programme (NCASTP).

Therefore, in line with the aforementioned, any person prior to being designated as an AVSEC Screener in Nigeria, must obtain certification from the NCAA.

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, has in a letter titled FULL IMPLEMENTATION OF CERTIFICATION OF AVIATION SECURITY (AVISEC) SCREENERS with ref.no.NCAA/AVSEC/SCRN.CERT/GEN/29 dated 15^th June, 2016, advising all stakeholders to commence the process of certification of your personnel to act as an Aviation Security Screener.

All stakeholders were informed in the letter that the full implementation of this directive will take effect from 1^st August, 2016.Thereafter; it shall become a violation of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Security Programme (NCASP) for screeners who have not been certified by the Regulatory Authority to carry out any screening duties in Nigeria.

Capt. Usman, therefore informed all affected organisations and personnel to ensure compliance with the timeline by ensuring all screeners are certified with the guidelines earlier communicated to them.

Below are the guidelines for certification which is valid for 24 months.

GUIDELINES FOR AVIATION SECURITY (AVSEC) SCREENER'S CERTIFICATION

1.        INTRODUCTION

These guidelines shall apply to the Certification of AVSEC Screening Personnel in Nigeria.

DEFINITION

An AVSEC Screener is a security personnel responsible for the screening of passengers, cabin baggage, hold baggage, cargo, courier, mail and aviation personnel items with the use of x-ray screening equipment prior to boarding or loading of baggage and cargo into the aircraft or movement to restricted areas.

2.        REQUIREMENT

2.1      GENERAL

2.1.1  All screeners requiring certification in any organisation engaged in           AVSEC duties shall undertake screeners’ and/or any relevant AVSEC           course from a certified   AVSEC training provider and/or a recognised       training institution.

2.1.2              List of AVSEC screeners shall be submitted to NCAA with the           certificate obtained in 2.1.1; any other relevant training and evidence of on the job training (OJT).

2.1.3  Each screener shall complete a Personal Data form obtainable from NCAA AVSEC department and upon completion; it shall be duly signed by applicants’ organisation.

2.1.4 Each screener shall submit evidence of background check to the    NCAA AVSEC department.

2.2      QUALIFICATION

2.2.1  The minimum age requirement for screeners is 18 years

2.2.2  Only citizens of Nigeria or persons having permanent resident status      and holding valid employment authorisation documents can serve  as screeners in Nigeria.

2.2.3  The screener must have a minimum academic qualification of National Diploma and professional training (AVSEC screener course, ICAO STP 123 Basic and any other relevant AVSEC training).

2.3      MEDICAL ASSESSMENT

2.3.1  Each screener shall complete a Medical Application Form obtainable from NCAA Aero Medical department.

2.3.2  Each screener shall undergo a medical assessment conducted by an         NCAA Medical Assessor.

2.4.     COMPUTER BASED EXAMINATION

2.4.1  Each screener shall undertake NCAA computer based Screener examination. The examination will measure ability to interpret and distinguish image on the X-ray monitor.

Note: The pass mark shall be 70%

2.4.2. In the event that a screener does not attain the pass mark (70%), there shall be provision for only onetime re-sit.

2.5      FEE

2.5.1  A non-refundable certification fee of twenty thousand Naira (N20,000) payable to NCAA in respect of each AVSEC screener submitted.

2.5.2 A re-sit fee of N10,000 shall be applicable

2.3.2  Recertification fee of N10,000 shall be made payable to NCAA every 24 months.

3.        ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE

3.1      ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATE

3.1.1  Successful screeners shall be issued with a certificate.

3.1.2  The validity of the certificate shall be 24 months.

Those affected by this directive are the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), all airline operators, all airport operators and all aviation security providers.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) will continue to ensure safe and secure air transport operations in the industry.

CAPT. MUHTAR USMAN,

DIRECTOR GENERAL,

NIGERIAN CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY (NCAA).

  

Dana Air Rewards Travel Essay Competition Winners

R-L Kingsley Ezenwa, Dana Air's Communications Manager, presenting a ticket to Ekuma Oma, a student of Princeton College and 3rd place winner (secondary school category) of the National Travel Essay Competition.

In contributing to interest of future generation in aviation and travel industry, Dana Air recently rewarded students with free tickets for their brilliant performance at the 7th edition of the National Travel Essay Competition and 6th Air Transport Youth Empowerment Seminar,  which was held at the training hall of the Nigerian Civil Aviation (NCAA) Headquarters Annex, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos. 

The spokesman of Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, while congratulating the winners said, apart from the support that the airline has been giving to the organizers of the National Travel Essay Competition since 2009, Dana Air also partners Bicourtney Aviation Services Limited, by providing aircraft for students to access, when students of various institutions come for facility tour of the Murtala Mohammed Airport 2. 

He encouraged the students to consider a career in aviation, stating that  Dana Air’s kids fly program is also part of the airlines’ commitment to giving students and kids alike, their first flight experience while exposing them to the exciting world of aviation.

Founder and Coordinator of the National Travel Essay Competition (NTEC), Mr. Ewos Iroro, thanked Dana Air for its continued support for the initiative since 2009 which is aimed at creating greater awareness for the air transport sector and raising future aviation professionals. He said: “We would like to thank Dana Air for their encouragement so far and we use this opportunity to solicit their sustained and increased support.”  

2016 Hajj: FAAN MD Pledges Safety and Security for pilgrims

As the airlifting of pilgrims to this year Hajj in Saudi Arabia commences in Sokoto State Nigeria, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN has given a pledge of readiness and assures safety and security for the intending travellers.

According to the agency’s spokesman, Yakubu Dati, “Safety and security will be the focus of all airports for the 2016 Hajj operations commencing on Monday.

This was stated by the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, Engr. Saleh Dunoma, at the Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto.”

The Managing Director who was represented by the Director of Maintenance and Engineering, Engr. Oluwafemi Ogunode stated this in Sokoto during the inspection of the airport facility in preparation for the 2006 inaugural flight slated for the airport on Monday, August 9, 2016.

The inspection team was taken round the facilities by the airport manager, Ahmed Abubakar who expressed confidence at the level of preparedness.

The Chairman of the FAAN Hajj Committee, Achimugu Abubakar who is also on the team pointed out areas of improvements, stressing that the organization is working closely with relevant organs for the success of the exercise.

Areas visited included: the hajj camp, arrival and departure lounges, power plant, Fire Bay and other facilitates critical to the maiden flight.

Engr Ogunode also interacted with  other agencies in preparation for the maiden flight.

 The team had earlier visited the Lagos Hajj camp where he  called on staff to be at their best during the exercise and ensure orderly and quick facilitation.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria wishes to assure pilgrims and the general public of safety and security at all airports in the nation, as the Authority will not compromise on safety and security in line with international standards and practice.

Delta Air Lines airlifted Nigeria’s Dream Team

…Contributed to the team’s victory over Japan with 5-4

Delta Air Line airlifted Nigeria’s (Men) Dream Team from Atlanta to Brazil to participate in the on-going Olympic games. The timely intervention of the airline averted what would have been a walk-over for Japan as the Nigeria team was stranded in Atlanta where they camped.

Delta Air Lines, “has come to the rescue of Nigeria’s football Dream Team by providing a dedicated charter flight to fly the team from Atlanta to Manaus in Brazil less than 24 hours before their crucial Rio Olympics football game opening match against Japan.”-said a statement from the airline

  Dream Team players waiting to board Delta Air Lines chartered flight at the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, USA

“Thanks to a tab temporarily picked up by Delta Air Lines for the charter flight, the stranded team is expected to land in Brazil at 2pm local time which gives the team just enough time to clear customs and stretch before kickoff at 9pm.

The airline further explained that the Nigeria Dream team flew to Manaus in the special Delta charter flight usually used for the National Basketball Association, flight 757-200 (VIP NBA Aircraft) to operate the flight, after obtaining NBAs permission to operate the aircraft for the mission.”

“This is a special occasion, not only because it’s the Olympics,” Delta spokesman Anthony Black said, but also, “exactly 20 years ago, on this day, the Nigerian football team needed a miracle to beat Argentina to win the gold medal in Atlanta at the Olympics. Today, we are happy to help them with another miracle.”

According to Samson Siasia, the coach of the Nigerian team “The team is flying down on a charter that takes sports teams to their destinations. This makes the players happy. The players will have more leg room and they will be able to sleep on their way to Manaus.”

Delta Air Lines contributed to the victory recorded by the team. Despite the pressure went through to get to the venue of the match, the Nigeria team beat their opponent Japan 5-4.

Arik Air’s flight disruption: The Way Out

The imbroglio   between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Arik Air on debt reconciliation rears its ugly head again last week Friday when staff of FAAN disrupted the operations of the airline in its entirety. The  first disruption happened 20^th April, 2016. Three months later, FAAN staff again disrupted Arik Air’s operations on the 29^th of August, 2016. 

This unsettled financial obligation is unhealthy for the aviation of Nigeria, making it a laughing stock in the comity of nations. Aviation stakeholders lend their voices and proffer solutions to the rift:

According to Deba Uwadiae an aviation publisher residing in the United States of America, “People and organisations should do whatever is constitutionally right. This includes airlines and airport workers.”

Also, National President of Air Transport Service Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Benjamin Okewu said: “The way out is very simple. Arik and any other end user of services must be ready to pay for services rendered to them. Arik should not operate or see herself as another government or an organization that is above the law. FAAN is empowered by law to charge for services they render,  Arik cannot be dictating which of the charges and what they want to pay. FAAN have nothing allocated to her in 2016 budget so it cannot be business as usual. Pay or they halt de service”

An airline operator said, “Arik Air should seek audience with FAAN and find a way to settle this issue. FAAN is  a government organisation and as such have nothing to lose but disruption and embarrassment to Arik.  If other operators in the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) pay FAAN for services rendered, why not Arik? A friendly atmosphere between the two organisations will go a long way to resolving and ameliorate this financial mess than continuous tabloid publications, which serves only the news media but negative publicity for Arik.”

 Another aviation analyst who prefers anonymity said, “Arik has been a very proud organization. Not paying taxes you collected on behalf of government is wrong. They have been using government contacts to perpetrate this. Let them discuss and agree on a monthly payment schedule with FAAN.”

Arik Air and FAAN as a matter of urgency should reconcile because one organization cannot survive without the other. Both parties should enjoy a symbiotic relationship which will result in a win-win situation.

Arik Air wins West African Airline of the Year

(L-R) Dr. Samson Fatokun, IATA Area Manager presenting the West African Airline of the Year Award to Femi Asun, Arik Air Station Manager, Accra with Wesley Adegoke, Arik Air West/Central Africa Coordinator and Stella Aggrey-Carthy, Arik Air Sales Executive, Accra.

Arik Air is about to go into the mood of celebrating its 10^th year of airline operations when a laurel was conferred on it as the, “West African Airline of the Year”.  According to the airline in a statement said it, “has won another accolade with the award of West African Airline of the Year bestowed on it at the Ghana Aviation Awards 2016 held in Accra on Friday, July 29, 2016.”

In an ecstatic mood, Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Suraj Sundaram said: “This year marks the tenth anniversary celebration for Arik Air as the largest airline operating in West and Central Africa, so it is very encouraging to receive this award which demonstrates the increasing recognition not only from the travelling public but also from industry partners. We are still a young company and we see ourselves as a major contributor to the economies of West African states by continually improving and expanding our service offering in the region”.

“The special recognition award, according to Ghana Aviation Awards Events Director, Richard Abbey Jnr, was conferred on Arik Air because of its achievement in airline business leadership and commitment to safety.

The impressive award ceremony held at Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Accra was a gathering of the cream of aviation personalities in West Africa and a celebration of excellence in the industry.

“The West African Airline of the Year Award is a crowning glory for Arik Air’s eight years of operation in Ghana and the rest of the region which began with the inauguration of flights to Accra in January 2008. Today, Arik Air operates from Lagos to 10 West and Central African cities, namely Accra (Ghana), Cotonou (Benin), Monrovia (Liberia), Freetown (Sierra Leone), Abidjan (Cote d’Ivoire), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar (Senegal), Douala (Cameroon), Luanda (Angola) and Libreville (Gabon).”- said the airline

Arik Air is, “ the first African carrier to create a hub at Kotoka International Airport, Accra where flights from Lagos and Abuja arrive into Accra within a few minutes of each other and then depart onwards to other West African cities from Accra non-stop.

Arik Air operates to six cities non-stop from Accra which include, Freetown (3 weekly), Banjul (4 weekly), Dakar (3 weekly), Monrovia (3 weekly), Lagos (3 times daily) and Abuja (daily).”

Turkey requests more flights into Nigeria

…Serious foreign airlines to be considered -Sirika

The government of Turkey has requested to fly into more Nigeria cities. This request was made recently when the ambassador of Turkey to Nigeria paid a visit to Nigeria’s Minister of State ( Aviation), Sen. Hadi Sirika in Abuja. According to a statement from the office of the Minister, signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Mr. James Odaudu, “the Turkish Ambassador, HE Hakan Cakil told the Minister that he was in the Ministry to express his country’s gratitude for the excellent relationship between the two countries, especially in the aviation sector, and to explore more areas of cooperation. 

“He requested, on behalf of the Turkish Airlines for more frequencies in airlines’ operations in Nigeria, saying that with the nation’s population and air traffic volume, the request can be granted for mutual benefits.

“He also commended the Nigerian government for the show of support for his country during its trying periods, especially the recent attempt by subversive elements to derail the course of democratic governance.

In his response to the request, the Minister stated that, “ government would give consideration to requests by serious foreign airlines for increased flight frequencies as long as the nation’s interests are not compromised.”

The minister who made these promises while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil in his office, said the nation’s relationship with foreign airlines would be based strictly on the Bilateral Air Services Agreements with the Airline’s home governments.

He informed the Ambassador of Government’s determination to revamp the aviation sector through the concessioning of its airports, beginning with "the big four" in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt. The concession, he said, is to address issues of infrastructure, and ensure world class maintenance.

He commended the cordial relationship that exists between Nigeria and Turkey, and condemned the recent coup attempt in Turkey, describing it as undesirable and anti-development.

The Turkish airline currently flies into Lagos, Abuja and Kano in Nigeria.

Nigeria Pilots and Engineers’ Union to Build 2.5 Billion Naira Edifice

…Balami steps down next year

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers, NAAPE has announced a project to cost 2.5 billion naira. The edifice will house the unions’ National Secretariat and other facilities. Making the pronouncement is the National President of the union, Isaac Balami. “It gladdens my heart to announce that the age-long and foremost dream of the Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE)  to build its Headquarters has finally come true! Established about forty years ago, the NAAPE has been the official voice for Pilots and Aircraft Engineers in Nigeria, looking after the welfare of its Members and enabling the sustainable growth of our aviation sector. The construction of the 2.5 billion Naira state-of-the-art facility - to be situated at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos state - will be powered By Hall 7 Real Estate. The Ground-breaking is scheduled for August, 2016 with plans for completion within 24 months”.

Explaining what the building will look like, Balami said, “Our stunning modern new  will headquarters will include a 150 room 5-star Hotel, a Club House, 40+ offices, world-class training facilities and Event and Banquet, a swimming pool and exercise centre, the NAAPE Hall of Fame, a Banking hall, game centres and much more.”

Balami who has been the national president for seven years will be handing over to his successor next year 2017. According to him, “this is my proud seventh year as the National President of our Association. We have been deliberating on this matter for forty years and I believe that this achievement is timely:  I will be stepping down next year, and feel that this will provide a legacy service that will benefit the next generations of the NAAPE. It remains my great privilege to serve until we select my successor to carry forward and continue to deliver to our vision.”

Appreciating the privilege to serve the association Balami said, “I would like to place on record my deepest appreciation to NAAPE, NEC and NAC for their support in taking this unanimous decision to perform this herculean task.

As the longest-serving National President of NAAPE for the last 40 years, I can only share the great honour and privilege it has been to lead our aviators through thick and thin. This milestone achievement would not have been possible without the on-going support of the NAAPE Executive, to whom I will always be grateful.”

“When I finally step down next year, I am certain that I will be able to look back, reflect and then smile with pride at the legacy that our great team efforts and recurring value that this amazing team has helped me to achieve”-he concluded.

Press Release: FAAN FLAYS COURT ORDER, DISRUPTS ARIK AIR’S OPERATIONS AGAIN

Arik Air expresses its dismay and disappointment that the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has once again disrupted its operations at the domestic General Aviation Terminal and international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, as workers of the agency prevented Arik Air from gaining access to the Airside of both terminals.

Access to the Airside is critical and fundamental to the airline’s operations for moving catering, supplies and other sundry items to the aircraft, as well as the movement of its personnel to ready the aircraft for departure.

This access is also necessary for the airline to conduct secondary security screening, mandatory security checks and for securing the aircraft at all times in line with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards and recommended practice.

This is not the first time that FAAN has taken the law into its own hands as it had resorted to such strong-arm tactics against the airline in the past and most recently in May this year.

It is already in the public domain that Arik Air and FAAN have a lingering disagreement on the long-standing and unsubstantiated claim by FAAN of spurious indebtedness of the airline to the agency which is now before the Federal High Court in Lagos, at the instance of FAAN.

Both sides were reconciling payment accounts between the  institutions over the charges paid by Arik Air to date and in this regard ,Arik Air has been providing all the needed assistance and cooperation to conclude the reconciliation process.

However, FAAN has shown total disregard for the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by carrying out such disruptive action again.

In Suit No: FHC/L/CS/1558/2015 brought by FAAN against Arik Air before a Federal High Court in Lagos, the court on 20 June, 2016had ordered that both parties maintain status quo ante-bellum until Ruling on the Ex-parte is delivered.

 The matter was further adjourned to 10 October, 2016.

On several occasions in the past weeks, Arik Air has equally served the order of the court to FAAN since they claimed ignorance of the ruling.

 Blatant defiance of the laws of the country and disrespect to the High Court should not be tolerated and we appeal to the judiciary to intervene in this matter and take appropriate action to uphold the laws of the nation. 

This unjustifiable disruption by FAAN has further inconvenienced the travel plans of thousands of passengers who were already affected due to the acute scarcity of aviation fuel (Jet A1) in the recent weeks.

Arik Air sincerely apologise to its esteemed passengers for any inconvenience experienced due to this unwarranted disruption and unlawful action by FAAN.