Power outage mars flight operations at MMIA

International airlines are finding it difficult to operate scheduled commercial flights from the international terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, following a severe power outage which started late Saturday.

The Lagos international airport gets its power supply both from the national grid and from its independent power plant. Daily Sun however learnt that both power sources had failed to work on Saturday and Sunday thus throwing up the entire airport into a state of darkness and disrupting the ability of airlines to make use of the requisite facilities that could enable them take off and land and also disembark passengers. Major airlines whose flight operations were disrupted  on Saturday lastweek included KLM/Air France, British Airways, Lufthansa and South Africa Airways flights.

Stakeholder cautions FAAN workers over N70m furniture scam

The publisher of Aviation Safety magazine, Alhaji Abdulyekeen Umar, has cautioned workers in the aviation industry; especially the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria staffs to exercise restraint in criticising the activities of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), investigating the alleged N70 million furniture scam in the organisation.

N12bn required to complete Lagos airport road rehabilitation project – ICRC

Aminu Diko, the Director General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, has said N12 billion would be required to complete the Lagos Airport road rehabilitation project.

A statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by ICRC’s Head of Communications, Deborah Okafor, said Diko made the call when he led a management team on a courtesy visit to the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika.

 

Diko also said a private investor had indicated interest in expanding the facility into eight-lane road with flyovers and that the procurement process was ongoing, after which construction would begin.

He also called on the ministry to speed up work on the concession of Nigeria’s four busiest airports – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.

Diko advised on the setting up of a Project Delivery Team and a Steering Committee to be chaired by the minister.

Diko said: “Public-Private Partnerships are complex and take time to consummate and so there is need to kick-start the process by quickly establishing the project team that would see to the engagement of a transaction adviser to manage the development and procurement stages.

Aviation workers protest against planned concession of airports

Workers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on Tuesday staged a protest against moves by the Federal Government to concession the facility as well as three other vibrant airports across the country.

They also vowed to embark on subsequent protests, adding that they might be forced to shut down the country’s main airports if the government continued its moves to concession the facilities

Nigeria loses aviation hub status to Ghana

Nigeria has lost its status as the aviation hub in West Africa to Ghana.

Already, the revenue that accrued to Nigeria from the fuelling of aircraft and accommodation of cabin crews of foreign airlines has been taken over by Ghana, which now provides these services.

The situation is partly attributable to the 100 per cent increase in the price of aviation fuel in Nigeria, while Ghana slashed the same product by 20 per cent.

Air Peace takes delivery of 2 new aircraft for regional routes

Air Peace Limited said it has acquired two new Boeing 737-500 aircraft as part of efforts to boost its fleet in readiness for its foray into the African market.

The Chairman/CEO of the company, Chief Allen Onyeama, who spoke in an interview with journalists said the airline had just been licenced to fly outside Nigeria and that it had become necessary to make investments in the purchase of new aircraft for the new routes.

S.A.’s main opposition calls for emergency meeting to save national carrier

South Africa‘s main opposition the Democratic Alliance (DA) called on Friday for an urgent parliamentary meeting to work out how to prevent the state airline from missing payments to its creditors and being grounded by international partners.

Hong Kong’s tax authorities this week threatened to ground South African Airlines if the struggling airliner did not provide financial statements by Sept. 6.

SHORTAGES OF AVIATION FUEL

The scarcity of Jet A1 is stifling the aviation industry in Nigeria

For almost one year, airlines operating in Nigeria have been facing difficulties obtaining aviation fuel, known as Jet A1, at the right price and in the quantity demanded. The hardest hit are the domestic carriers that do not have the choice of flying across to other countries and can stop at neighbouring Abidjan in Ivory Coast, Accra in Ghana or Yaoundé in Cameroon to obtain the product at the right price. For an oil producing country, this is yet another emblem of shame.

SOURCE: THISDAYLIVE.COM

NANTA, institute collaborate to train travel agents

Second Deputy President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Kabir Maiwada (left); National Publicity Secretary, Olumuyiwa Salami; National President, Bankole Bernard; National treasurer, Zackary Abdulllahie; First Deputy President, Susan Akporiaye and Vice-president North, Aliyu Abdullhahi at the NANTA press briefing held in Lagos recently

To raise capacity of travel agents in the country, the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has struck a partnership agreement with the National Institute for Hospitality and Tourism (NIHOTOUR), on the training of travel agents nationwide.

The partnership, which was agreed during the visit of NANTA officials to NIHOTOUR, is to raise capacity and professionalism in the air travel services.

Nigeria to sign visa-free pact with 8 countries

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, says plans have been concluded to sign visa-free pacts with a bloc of eight African countries to promote economic partnership on the continent.

 

Onyeama announced this in Abuja on Tuesday at a news confernce to mark one year of President Mohammadu Buhari’s Administration. The minister, who did not disclose the names of the countries making up the bloc, noted with concern that trading among African countries had been very low.

 

He, however, said that with the new idea by the President Mohammadu Buhari led administration, “it is expected that there will be upsurge in economic activities. “ Africa is the centrepiece of our foreign policy but it is a paradox that as a Nigerian, you cannot go to an African country without a visa unlike what is obtainable in Western Europe.

Nigerians Can Now Travel To The UK Visa Free For 6 Months

Do you desire to get a visa to the UK? Well, Teresa May provided you the opportunity to visit the United Kingdom without a visa. All commonwealth citizens can enjoy staying in the UK visa-free.
It seems that Nigerian citizens can benefit from the Brexit.

Theresa May, as a new Prime Minister of United Kingdom, announced a visa-free entry for Commonwealth citizens.
According to new regulations, the citizens of the commonwealth have a six-months visa-free corridor.

Nigeria is a participant of Commonwealth countries. It means that the United Kingdom provides visa-free travel for Nigerians to the lands of her Majesty for six months.

Theresa May provides a new foreign policy towards Commonwealth countries. The Crown desires to unite post-colonial citizens under its protection, but in this term, the Prime Minister desires do to that nicely.

The Commonwealth unity is consisted of 56 members, where eighteen members are from Africa: Zambia, Uganda, Tanzania, South Africa, Sierra Leone, Seychelles, Rwanda, Nigeria, Namibia, Mozambique, Mauritius, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya, Ghana, Cameroon, Botswana. UK free-visa endorsement can be understood as a real present from Theresa May. Nevertheless, if one of the citizens of commonwealth desires to stay in the

UKVI launches new 24-hour Super Priority Visa service in Nigeria

 

The new service allows customers to process their applications within 24 hours On 1 August 2016 UK Visas & Immigration launched a new 24-hour Super Priority Visa service in Nigeria.

The introduction of this service allows customers greater flexibility to choose from a number of visa products to meet their needs; it is offered alongside our current Priority Visa (front of queue processing 5-7 day) and standard (15 day) services.

Firm to assist Nigerian companies buy aircraft

A New York-based firm, MVMM International, says it is set to assist aviation companies to broker deals for the sale and purchase of aircraft.

The United States company said some Nigerian firms would be assisted to maximise their profits while improving public relations.

In a statement on Tuesday, the firm, said, “We assist aviation companies to broker deals for the sale/purchase of aircraft, help clients protect assets and assist with property acquisition.

Dana Air rewards winners of National Travel Essay Competition

Dana Air has 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 National Travel Essay Competition and Youth Empowerment Seminar with the theme “Choosing an Exciting Career – Why Aviation?” is designed to create greater awareness for the air transport sector and raise future aviation professionals.

Beware of fraudsters using our name – Air Peace

Air Peace has alerted members of the public about the activities of fraudsters using its name to swindle unsuspecting air travellers and job-seekers.

A statement by the Corporate Communications Manager of the airline, Mr. Chris Iwarah, said that fraudsters were using fake internet sites and placing calls to members of the public to deposit money into different bank accounts for air tickets.

Delta system failure marks wake-up call for airline industry

The failure of Delta Air Lines Inc.’s worldwide computer network this week spotlights the vulnerability of the information systems sustaining the biggest U.S. carriers, each of which has contended with major disruptions during the last year.

Complex networks cobbled together over the decades need major overhauls requiring significant new investments, said Bob Edwards, a former chief information officer for United Continental Holdings Inc. Recent flaws in computer systems quickly escalated into corporate black eyes that exacted costs in both money and reputation.

Recovery of N30bn debt may ground domestic airlines

Despite the plummeting fortunes of domestic airlines in the country due to the harsh economy, they will have to pay up their debts worth more than N30 billion or be grounded by regulatory agencies.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) are going after airlines to recover over N30 billion debts accumulated in the last 16 years.

Stakeholders laud Med-View over new Boeing 777, 747 aircraft

Stakeholders in the aviation industry have lauded one of Nigeria’s flag carriers, Med-View Airline, for its giant strides, especially on the international front.

The commendation is not unconnected with the airline’s acquisition of a new Boeing 777-200, shortly after taking delivery of a super jumbo 747 as additions to its fleets.

 

The feat, stakeholders said, was most “courageous” particularly at a time the sector is buckling due to pressure of economic recession.

While the 747 has since been deployed to the Lagos – London Gatwick route, the triple-seven aircraft on Monday airlifted pilgrims from Lagos to Saudi Arabia for the commencement of the 2016 Hajj operations.

No fewer than 150 flights operations are expected to be carried out while the Hajj exercise lasted.

Regional Manager of British Airways, Kola Olayinka, said the Med-View management had again demonstrated the resilience of the Nigerian spirit to survive all odds.

Paucity of Funds Threatens NAMA Operations

 

Lack of funds has made it difficult for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) to carry out its financial obligations, THISDAY investigations have revealed.

Sources familiar with the agency’s operations hinted that it is facing great difficulty in funding the maintenance of its critical equipment as well as payment of staff remunerations and pensions to its retired personnel owing to airlines’ huge indebtedness to it (NAMA).

Aviation Stakeholders Berate FG over Failure to Establish MRO in Nigeria

Industry stakeholders on Wednesday berated the federal government for what they described as “wrong-headed policies, lack of vision and self-centredness”, which they said have been responsible for the retrogression of the aviation industry over the years.

The stakeholders including airline operators, airport managers, analysts, pilots, engineers and others accused government of being responsible for non-establishment of Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility anywhere in the country.

They noted that the lack of MRO facility in the country is a major setback which is partly responsible for the high demand of foreign exchange in the industry, lack of developed technical manpower and the inability for Nigeria to carry out C-checks and D-checks (aircraft maintenance) locally.

Business How not to privatise Nigerian airports, by stakeholders

Murtala Muhammed Airport II

Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2), under the watch of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, is a good example of why airports in the country should be privatised for viability. However, stakeholders are unanimous that the airport is also a case study of how not to go about privatisation. WOLE OYEBADE reports.

A travel website, The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, last year rated the Port Harcourt aerodrome as the “world’s worst airport”. Lagos and Abuja international airfields were also named among the 10 worst airports in Africa.

FG Sets Up Inter-Ministerial Committee On Aviation Security

The Federal Government is setting up an inter-ministerial committee on aviation security, aimed at providing modalities for training of aviation security officers, for improved security at airports across the country.

Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. (rtd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau made the disclosure when the Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika visited him in his office.

Dambazau emphasized the need to secure the nation’s airport and its environs, adding that this is part of border security management, which is part of the mandate of his ministry.

He offered the services of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in building the capacity of airport security personnel, particularly in the aspect of proper use of arms, in line with international best practice.

Marketers Accused of Raking in Profits Selling Aviation Fuel as Kerosene

As the price of kerosene continues to soar because of inadequate supply, marketers have been accused of selling Jet A1, better known as aviation fuel, as kerosene, in the process making a kill of N50-N100 per litre.

The diversion of the product to fuel outlets where it is sold as household kerosene has also been blamed for the scarcity of Jet A1 and several flight cancellations and delays in the aviation sector in the last one month, THISDAY has learnt.

FG pledges support to foreign airlines

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, says the Federal Government will improve the economic and operational viability of the nation’s international airports to encourage the international airlines.

This is contained in a statement by Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Office of the Minister of State, Aviation, Ministry of Transportation, in Abuja on Sunday.

Sirika made the promises while receiving the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Hakan Cakil in his office.

Airlines Battle Scarcity Of Aviation Fuel

As the nation’s aviation industry continues to face the challenges of fuel scarcity; stakeholders have expressed worry on how government’s inaction is affecting the fortunes of the sector. Roseline Okere and Wole Oyebade report on the challenges of aviation fuel in Nigeria.

Air France strike, in fifth day, has affected 150,000

PHOTO: John Nguyen

Thousands of people faced flight cancellations in France on Sunday, the fifth day of a strike by Air France flight crew at the height of the holiday travel period, the airline said. So far the strike has affected around 150,000 people, the airline said.

Some 900 flights, or about one in five, have been cancelled since the action began on Wednesday, the airline said, estimating the cost to the company at “tens of millions of euros”.

Some flights have gone ahead but with a reduced passenger load for security reasons as there were not enough flight attendants.

Historic solar flight marks first round-the-world journey

Solar Impulse 2, the solar powered plane, arrives at Al Batin Airport in Abu Dabi to complete its world tour

 flight on July 26, 2016 in the United Arab Emirates. Solar Impulse 2 landed in the UAE early on Tuesday, 

July 26, 2016, completing its epic journey to become the first sun-powered airplane to circle the globe without

a drop of fuel.
KARIM SAHIB / AFP

The world’s first round-the-world flight to be powered solely by the sun’s energy made history Tuesday as it landed in Abu Dhabi, where it first took off on an epic 25,000-mile (40,000-kilometer) journey that began more than a year ago.

Number of pilots, technicians to hit 1.5m by 2035, says Boeing

PHOTO: cargofacts.com

As global economies expand and airlines take delivery of tens of thousands of new commercial jetliners, Boeing has projected a demand for nearly 1.5 million pilots and technicians over the next 20 years.

It revealed in its 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that between now and 2035, the aviation industry will need to supply more than two million new aviation personnel, which include 617,000 commercial airline pilots, 679,000 maintenance technicians, and 814,000-cabin crew.

The Airline (Qutar Air Ways) Renewed Sponsorship Of FC Barcelona For Another Season

UPDATED: Qatar Airways logo back on FC Barcelona kit

Qatar Airways has renewed its shirt sponsorship agreement with FC Barcelona for one more season under the same conditions as their current deal, it was announced earlier.

The airline’s logo will continue to feature on the FC Barcelona’s kit until June 30, 2017.

Callywood DG Egor Efiok Calls Out Lufthansa Airline For Unfair Treatment

Egor Efiok,The Director General of Callywood Film Studios recently called out Lufthansa airline...

Egor was amongst the passengers stranded after their flight was cancelled last weekend.

 The flight which was from Port Harcourt to London via Frankfurt was cancelled without notice or explanation and the airline Management according to Egor

lodged she and other black passengers at a dirty hotel D-B Gardens in the slum part of the city but white passengers were lodged in the posh Presidential Hotel.