Overland Airways Begins Processing of IOSA Certification

Overland Airways has started the process of obtaining the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and has been listed on the IOSA Registry.

The airline said that this is a further endorsement of Overland Airways’ 14-year history of outstanding safety performance.

According to IATA, “The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) program is an internationally recognized and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline,” stating that “in terms of global standards, the IOSA is a proven tool for raising safety.”

Another week of chaos, losses for operators, passengers nationwide

Fresh scarcity of aviation fuel at airports nationwide has again called to question, the ability and willingness of the authorities to revive the ailing industry.

Aviation sector around the world has a reputation of being the fastest, safest and the most reliable means of transportation. But there is at least a clime where that position may not be true, Nigeria.If the mood at major airports nationwide is anything to go by, then the local aviation sector may just be one exception lacking the said global reputation.

Experience of passengers in the last one-week was such that drew tears from eyes of even the rich. The journeys of about one hour started taking one day, two or even more.The Attahs, a family of six from Akwa-Ibom state, were in Lagos for a wedding ceremony at the weekend and due to return 3pm Sunday. Flying into Lagos from Uyo was itch-free. The return trip was entirely a different experience.

Source THEGUARDIAN

Turkish Airlines fires personnel after failed coup: media

A Turkish Airlines aircraft taxis at Ataturk International Airport in Istanbul Thomson Reuters

 

ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Turkey's state-run Turkish Airlines fired more than 100 employees, including management and cabin crew, as part of a purge at state institutions to root out supporters of an abortive coup, Turkish media reported on Monday. 

The dismissals at the national carrier occurred late on Sunday after it was determined the employees were linked to a religious movement President Tayyip Erdogan has said attempted to overthrow the government on July 15, Sabah newspaper said. 

Indian Military Plane With 20 on Board Disappears On 22 Of July

An Indian military plane with more than 20 people on board has gone missing over the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Air Force (AIF) has confirmed to the BBC.

The Antonov-32 transporter aircraft took off from Chennai (Madras) in southern India at 8.30 am (local time) for Port Blair in the eastern archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar.

It was scheduled to land at 11.30am. A search operation has been launched. The IAF operates more than 100 Antonov-32 aircraft.

A navy spokesman told the Reuters news agency that surveillance planes and ships were looking for the missing aircraft, which was carrying service personnel to strategic islands near the Malacca Straits, where India has a military base.

More story still to come...

Arik Staff Beat up man for Complaining over Cancelled Flight

Staff of Airline, Arik Air allegedly beat up a man severely for complaining about a cancelled flight. According to the Vanguard, the man who was travelling with his wife and children went to get his boarding pass and was told that ‘we have cancelled all the flights for today,’ by the staff of the Airline.

He inquired about why the flight was cancelled and was told “Oga no disturb us. No be only you dey travel.”
He then asked for a refund of his ticket fees at which point the staffers of Arik allegedly jumped him as his family watched helplessly.
 

Vanguard reports that other people at the airport now intervened to help the man as the fight had become an all out brawl.

Soldiers had to be brought in to save the situation, which looked like it was going to get worse.
A source told Vanguard that it was due to the lack of aviation fuel that led to the cancellation.

IATA, AU partner to enhance air transport growth

Tony Tyler

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) and The African Union Commission (AU) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand strategic cooperation on air transport in Africa.

As seen on THE GUARDIAN

Airlines take in-flight entertainment to virtual reality

Airlines worldwide are employing various in-flight entertainment devices to serve their passengers better on board as some have introduced virtual reality to replace the tiny screens at the back of aircraft’s chairs that often have low quality movies.

Aero Contractors Partners Spectranet 4GLTE For Free Wifi Service

As part of its brand evolution journey and commitment to provide world class internet service experience, Spectranet 4G LTE has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Aero Contractors, Nigeria’s leading innovative airline to provide free internet service to the passengers of the airline at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2) Lagos.

Speaking during the agreement signing ceremony to mark the Milestone, Chief Executive Officer of Spectranet, David Venn, said the Spectranet brand is driven by innovation towards creating exciting endless experience for the consumers across all level with the purpose of enabling them to connect to what matters to them most, no matter the location of the consumer.

Air Peace Urges FG To Intervene In Aviation Fuel Scarcity

Air Peace Chief Operating Officer (COO), Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide has appealed to the Federal Government and aviation authorities to urgently intervene in the lingering scarcity of JET-A1 fuel in the country.

In a statement made available to Newsherald, the COO said the development was a threat to the operations and services of airlines in the country. She regretted that despite Air Peace’s efforts to address the challenge, some of its flight operations were affected by the scarcity.

Olajide solicited the understanding and patience of passengers, saying the airline had been working tirelessly to ensure its flight operations were not adversely affected by the situation.

Airport security and the ‘enemies’ within

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

Security in airports globally seems to be offering little answers to posers of terrorism. Insider threat accounts for major loopholes in standard security practices but still largely overlooked even in Nigeria. WOLE OYEBADE reports

Airport security and safety of air travelers are more of a huge challenge to authorities in contemporary times.

Air travel, popularly dubbed as the safest means of transportation, has become one of the soft targets of terrorist organisations. The fear of terrorism and where the cookie next crumbles are daily concern for airport handlers around the world.

As Seen On THE GUARDIAN WEBPAGE

Ethiopian Airlines wins best award in Africa

Tewolde GebreMariam. PHOTO: onlineethiopia.net

Ethiopian Airlines has won the SkyTrax World Airline Award for Best Airline Staff in Africa at Farnborough Airshow event held in Hampshire, England.

The airline stated that SkyTrax awards are solely based on customer survey and satisfaction measurement for their experience; from check-in to boarding, onboard comfort, cabin cleanness, food, beverages, inflight entertainment, staff service and associated travel items.

Overland Airways completes IATA’s safety audit, listed on IOSA

PHOTO: nigerianaviation

Overland Airways has successfully completed the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) and has been listed on the IOSA Registry. The airline said that the approval was a further endorsement of Overland Airways’ 14-year history of outstanding safety performance.

Source: As seen on THE GUARDIAN WEB-PAGE

We Are Still Operating Lagos–Accra, Abuja–Accra Routes – Arik Air

Arik Air, Nigeria and West Africa’s largest carrier, has said that it has not suspended its operations to Accra, Ghana contrary to speculations.

Arik Air’s Chief Commercial Officer, Suraj Sundaram, who made the clarification, stated that the airline was still operating between the Lagos-Accra and Abuja-Accra routes and that the airline is not contemplating suspension of flights as been speculated.

According to him, “We have been consistent since commencing the Accra route in January 2008 and we remain the largest airline on that route offering the largest capacity and choice of flights, not only connecting Nigeria to Ghana, but also onwards from Ghana to other West African nations.”

Top Four Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites this Season by Jelifat Opoola

Though common, these are proven methods to avoiding mosquitoes.

It is rainy season again and we all know that mosquitoes like the wet and damp environment to breed.  The mosquito life cycle takes place in four main stages from eggs through adulthood. There is the egg, larvae, pupae and adult stages, all of which takes place in and around water. Although the species of mosquito that transmits malaria to humans is the female Anopheles mosquito, there are other types of mosquitoes that bite humans as well. In order to avoid the bites of these mosquitoes in this rainy season, one has to be very careful. The following tips can help in preventing mosquito bites.

UAE urged citizens to avoid wearing national dress while traveling abroad

The United Arab Emirates Foreign Ministry has urged its citizens to avoid wearing the traditional white robes, headscarf and headband while travelling abroad after a businessman visiting the US state of Ohio was mistakenly held as an Islamic State suspect.

Posting a tweet on Saturday, the ministry advised Emirati people not to wear traditional garments abroad and also requested women to follow the rules and bans on veils in European countries.

 

41-year-old Ahmed Al Menhali, a businessman from Abu Dhabi, was talking on the phone in Arabic outside a hotel when five police officers carrying guns began shouting at him to get on the ground. In fact, a footage showed that Mr Al Menhali was shouting in panic saying he was a tourist as he was surrounded by the policemen.

Police searched him, threw his phone on the ground and removed his shoes while he was handcuffed.  An officer can be seen going through his wallet, allowing cards and photos to blow away in the wind.

Mr Al Menhali was released immediately after Police realised their mistake. But he collapsed on to the ground and had to be hospitalised as he previously had a stroke. He had been in the US for medical reasons.

Governor Ayade wins Tourism Man of the Year Award

Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade

Cross River State governor, Ben Ayade, has emerged winner of the Tourism Man of the Year Award for Nigeria and West Africa. The contest was a four man race between him, the Minister of Tourism for Ghana, The Minister of Tourism for the Gambia and Obinna Ekezie the MD of Wakanow. Ayade’s emergence is based on the results released on Tuesday by the Balafon Award committee.

How Virgin Atlantic is working to improve fuel efficiency

Virgin Atlantic pilots teamed up with academics at the London School of Economics and the University of Chicago to come up with a new approach to delivering fuel and carbon efficiency information to pilots to help pilots fly greener.

Collaborating with academics, the airline’s fuel efficiency and sustainability teams developed a process that increases Captains’ awareness of the measures that they could take to improve fuel efficiency. Traditionally, pilots have been presented with a number of things that they can do to improve fuel consumption and carbon efficiency through training and on-board manuals.

787_dreamliner_red_engines.jpg

Image from Virgin Atlantic

Delta refreshes amenity kits

Delta Air Lines is giving its amenity kits a facelift by offering Kiehl skincare products in Tumi cases.

Multiple versions have been produced. Delta One passengers flying domestic will receive either hard- or soft-cased Tumi bags, while those on international flights will receive a navy hard-sided  kit when flying out of the US, and a soft-sided black amenity kit on inbound US flights.

Emerging opportunities for local carriers as foreign airlines ‘hike’ fares yet again

The astronomical rise in the cost of air tickets currently offered by foreign airlines is creating unsolicited demand for their local counterparts exploring the international routes. But are they ready for the challenge? WOLE OYEBADE writes.

About three weeks ago when the Central Bank introduced the new flexible foreign exchange policy, a new wave of optimism let loose among foreign airlines operating in the country.

As Seen On THE GUARDIAN

Airlines operators decry poor funding, infrastructure, multiple charges, others

Chairman, Arik Air, Joseph Arumemi-Ikhide (middle); Managing Director, Chris Ndulue (left) and Deputy Managing Director/Senior Vice President, Operations, Captain Ado Sanusi. PHOTO: SOLA OJEDOKUN

Domestic airline operators in Nigeria have again bemoan those issues threatening their survival and hindering the growth of air travel in the country.

Some of the challenges, they said are the non-availability of adequate fund, rise in fuel price, multiple charges, high exchange rate, lack of infrastructure, unfavourably government policies and others have gripped their capacity to compete with their counterparts globally.

Passengers delayed for seven hours as woman descends off flight ‘to get a divorce’

‘I am not in the mood to fly now’: A passenger forced over 500 to be delayed seven hours after she demanded to be let off a taxiing flight in Russia.

Over 500 passengers were left stranded for seven hours after one woman’s impromptu decision to change her relationship status.

Airlines now free to fix fares, other charges – NCAA

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority says all airlines’ tariffs for services rendered, which include fares, rates, add-on charges or terms and condition of service, have been fully liberalised. This was contained in a statement by the General Manager, Public Relations of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, on Sunday.

The statement explained that this was to clarify reports in some sections of the media that the NCAA had authorised airlines to increase their fares.

According to the statement, air fares and sundry charges have been statutorily deregulated and subjected to market forces.

It added: “However, all air carriers or their agents shall file, with the authority, a tariff for that service showing all rates, fares and add-on charges.

“These include the terms and conditions of free and reduced rate transportation for that service, as specified in Part 18.14.1.1 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

Foreign airlines’ funds trapped in Nigeria hit N120bn – IATA

Tony Tyler

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), saddled with the responsibility of monitoring blocked funds globally, yesterday put foreign airlines’ funds currently stranded in the Nigerian economy at N120 billion ($600 million).

This is why Nigerians will not buy airline tickets in foreign currency anymore

Airlines operating in Nigeria have been warned by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to desist from selling flight tickets in foreign currencies with immediate effect.

The NCAA had apparently got wind of some of the practices of some airlines that reject naira only to accept foreign currencies in payment for their tickets.

In a statement released by its Acting General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, the NCAA said this particular practice by the airlines is in contravention to the decreed guidelines of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the cost of products or services in Nigeria.

NCAA to sanction airlines selling tickets in dollars

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to sanction airlines that are in the habit of selling air tickets in foreign currency, particularly the dollar.

The regulatory authority yesterday said that the action was a flagrant contravention of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) prerequisite guiding cost of products or services in Nigeria.

United Airlines plane returns to Sydney after 'bird strike' during take-off

 

A United Airlines passenger plane was forced to return to Sydney Airport on Monday morning after apparently striking a number of birds when taking off.

Emergency service workers were called to the international terminal about 10.50am to meet United Airlines Flight 840, which had taken off at 9.40am. The plane, bound for Los Angeles, was carrying 308 passengers and crew.