Domestic Airlines are not winding down-NCAA

…Firstnation  Resumes in Two Weeks

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Capt. Muhtar Usman has dismissed through a statement sundry claims that some airlines are winding down their operations.

The DG said, “On the contrary, these airlines are merely suspending their operations temporarily to enable them undertake certain operational overhaul and strengthen their overall operational outlay.”

Usman said one of the airlines, Aerocontractors Ltd., at present has only one serviceable aircraft.This in contradiction to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) which stipulates that no airline operator shall carry out schedule commercial operation with only one aircraft.The minimum acceptable number is three aircraft.

“In other words, any airline with one aircraft is in contravention of the Authority’s regulations therefore cannot be adjudged to be capable of providing safe operation.The only option available is to suspend your operations temporarily while other aircraft arrive in due course.”

However, NCAA’s Regulations provides a window for such operator to embark on non schedule operations in the interim.

“The First Nation Airlines on its part is in the middle of an Engine Replacement Programme for one of its aircraft.Another aircraft is due for mandatory maintenance as its allowable by the Regulatory Authority.” – said NCAA DG

The Head of Commercial of the airline, Serah Awogbade, said “Firstnation is currently undergoing maintenance on A319 fleet. This maintenance exercise will be completed on or before September 15th, 2016.”

Awogbade further explained that, “the airline planned these maintenance action well ahead, notified passengers and flights are currently loaded online effective September 15th, 2016 – this will ensure that passengers continue to en joy safe and reliable service that the airline is reputed for.  Current foreign exchange constraint, coupled with over 70% devaluation of Naira partly contributed in no small measure to this development. The Airline’s plan remains on track to reinstating service as advised herein.”

“In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension.

“The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wishes to reiterate that on no account will it compromise safety and security of airline operations in the airspace.

“Every facet of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARS) and Standard and Recommended Practices (SARPs) must be adhered to with due diligence. In addition, everything has been put in place to continue to ensure compliance.”