Etihad wins awards

Etihad Airways has once again been presented with three coveted awards for the World’s Best First Class, Best First Class Onboard Catering, and Best First Class Airline Seat at the annual Skytrax World Airline Awards.

The event was held at the Musee de l’Air et de l’Espace, as part of the bi-annual Paris Airshow.The prestigious World Airline Awards are widely considered to be a global benchmark of airline excellence. Winners were chosen based on the votes and findings of a ten month survey of over 19 million air travelers from 105 countries.

NCAA urges public to desist from giving bribes, corrupt practices

The apex regulatory body said if airport users desist from corrupt practices, the officials would also fall in line.Director, Consumer Protection, NCAA, Adamu Abdullahi, said for the society and workplaces to be free from the menace of corrupt practices.

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged members of the public, especially travelers, to desist from the act of giving tips and bribes to officials at the airport.

The apex regulatory body said if airport users desist from corrupt practices, the officials would also fall in line.Director, Consumer Protection, NCAA, Adamu Abdullahi, said for the society and workplaces to be free from the menace of corrupt practices, each individual must be determined to put a stop to it right from their individual homes.

NCAA targets July for certification of Abuja, Lagos airports

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Thursday said it was optimistic that the certification of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, would be achieved by July.

Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the certification process of both airports was going on simultaneously.

Ethiopian Airlines orders 10 A350-900 aircraft

Ethiopian Airlines’ A350-900s are configured in a two class layout seating 30 passengers in Business Class and 313 in Economy Class. The spacious, quiet interior and mood lighting in the cabin contribute to superior levels of passenger comfort and well-being.’ PHOTO:TWITTER/FAAN

 

 

Ethiopian Airlines, the largest airline group in Africa, has placed an order for 10 additional Airbus A350-900 aircraft, enabling further development to its fast expanding long-haul route network. 

ART rallies agencies for ‘ease of doing business’ at airports

Chairman of the ART, Gbenga Olowo

• NAMA tasks managers on strict compliance Aviation Round Table Initiative (ART) has rallied various agencies in the aviation sector behind the successful implementation of the Executive Order to enhance ease of doing business in and around the country’s airports.

Lagos Travel Guide

Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, sprawls inland from the Gulf of Guinea across Lagos Lagoon. Victoria Island, the financial center of the metropolis, is known for its beach resorts, boutiques and nightlife. To the north, Lagos Island is home to the National Museum Lagos, displaying cultural artifacts and craftworks. Nearby is Freedom Park, once a colonial-era prison and now a major venue for concerts and public events.

Beaches line the Lekki Peninsula running east from the city, while inland, the Lekki Conservation Centre offers wildlife and trails. The National Gallery of Modern Art shares a building with the National Arts Theatre, and showcases works by Nigerian artists. 

Baggage scanners replace manual checks at airports

The Astrophysics Baggage Scanner, manufactured in California, United States, has been test ran at the Lagos airport. It is being used as a pilot phase for other installations at international airports in Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Kaduna.

• NCAA meets Delta Airlines over safety concerns
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to deploy upgraded baggage scanner machine to international airports in the country. The move, which has begun with the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, is to prevent security breach following the suspension of multiple manual checks at the airport.

Sabre Network, Babcock partner on MBA in aviation studies

With the agreement, Babcock has become the first university in Nigeria to offer such a course in aviation. The programme is to run between 12 and 18 months period.

Airline distribution solution provider, Sabre Network West Africa, Alpha First Travel & Tourism Academy and Babcock University, Ilisan Remo, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to commence Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA), programme in aviation studies.

JetWest airline makes debut in December

A new airline, JetWest, is set to takeoff in December flying on local routes in the country. Founder of the airline, Dikko Nwachukwu, said the new airline is aimed at making air travel accessible for more people. And if all goes according to plan, JetWest will launch this year with 100 employees and a fleet of three AC-20 jets.

The Eyo And The Eyo Festival: Cont'd From Lagos At 50

The Eyo is different from the Festival, The Eyo is a character displayed by an individual or a group of people who are costumed as the Eyo. They are people who have been chosen to do so,because of their full knowledge of The Eyo and the festival. The Eyo showcases themselves and their heritage during the festival. The events is proudly supported by the Lagos state Government and other organizations in Lagos Nigeria.

2017/2018 Premier League fixtures for Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd., others

 

Here are the 2017/2018 Premier League fixtures for Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Liverpool and Manchester United.

Arsenal Fixtures

AUGUST 2017
12/08/2017	15:00	Arsenal v Leicester City
19/08/2017	15:00	Stoke City v Arsenal
26/08/2017	15:00	Liverpool v Arsenal

Air Peace Airlines threatens to sue FAAN over alleged indebtedness, defamation

The airlines said whereas it had paid N7 million owed FAAN over use of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the airport authority has continued to deny receiving pay and allegedly set some workers against the airlines.

Air Peace Airlines yesterday threatened to sue the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) over alleged false claims of indebtedness and attempts to discredit the airlines among the public.

The airlines said whereas it had paid N7 million owed FAAN over use of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, the airport authority has continued to deny receiving pay and allegedly set some workers against the airlines.

Airlines commit to air cargo modernisation

PHOTO: CargotoNigeria

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) 73rd Annual General Meeting (AGM) has adopted a resolution to accelerate the modernisation and transformation of the air cargo industry.

The resolution builds on the momentum created by the entry into force of the World Trade Organisation’s (WTO’s) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA).

IATA’s Director General and CEO, Alexandre de Juniac, said the TFA commits governments to making trade faster, cheaper and more efficient.

Air Peace loses millions to alleged sabotage at Enugu airport

Air Peace airlines yesterday rued the loss of several millions of naira as a result of the disruption of its Enugu airport operations. In what the airline calls “sabotage”, the operator was obstructed for hours over alleged indebtedness.

 FAAN Apologises To Airlines

Air Peace airlines yesterday rued the loss of several millions of naira as a result of the disruption of its Enugu airport operations. In what the airline calls “sabotage”, the operator was obstructed for hours over alleged indebtedness.

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, told reporters that its operation was shut down by the Airport Manager, Mgbemena Orjiakor, over N7million debt that the airline says it has paid.

Experts canvass interline arrangements in local flight operation

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

 Experts in the aviation sector have reiterated the importance of interline agreements among local operators, to help them manage operational cost; optimise capacity and services to customers.

The professionals, who spoke at a public lecture and doctoral reception of Dr. Thomas Olaleye Ogungbangbe, in Lagos recently, said the survival of the airlines lies in their partnership instead of competition.

Why air travel, tourism contribute only 1.7% to GDP

*Nigeria behind Gambia, Rwanda, S’Africa in ranking
*Touchdown travels rally agencies to emerging opportunities

World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC) has estimated that air travel and tourism in Nigeria contributed 1.7 per cent to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016.

The input, which experts have described as paltry in the light of huge potentials, puts Nigeria behind others African countries like Gambia, Rwanda and South Africa among others in the WTTC 2017 ranking recently released.

FAAN cancels multiple checks at airports to implement executive order

The multiple checks by various law enforcement agencies have now been harmonised in line with the implementation of the ‘executive order’ issued by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) yesterday cancelled multiple checks of passengers and luggage at airports nationwide to enhance free movement of travellers.

The multiple checks by various law enforcement agencies have now been harmonised in line with the implementation of the ‘executive order’ issued by the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Electronic device ban on Europe-U.S. flights can lead to $1.4bn productivity loss – IATA

The Director General of the Geneva-based apex aviation body, Mr Alexandre de Juniac, said the ban was one of the key issues to be discussed at IATA’s 73rd Annual General Assembly scheduled for June 4 to June 6 in Cancun, Mexico.

 The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says expanding the cabin ban on the carriage of large Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) to Europe-to-US flights can lead to 1.4 billion dollar loss of productivity.

Just In Suspension Of Flights

Suspension of flights between Dubai and Doha with effect from 6 June 2017

As instructed by the UAE government, Emirates will suspend its flights to and from Doha, with effect from 6 June 2017, until further notice.

All customers booked on Emirates’ flights to and from Doha will be provided with alternative options, including full refunds on unused tickets and rebooking to alternate Emirates destinations.

Customers who booked through a travel agency should contact their travel agents. Customers who booked with Emirates can process refunds for their tickets at www.emirates.com/refund or contact their local Emirates office.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused to our customers.

Just In: Ban on Qatari Nationals to/from Qatar & Transiting Dubai

Exclusive from Emirates: Ban on Qatari Nationals  to/from Qatar & Transiting Dubai

Please note effective immediately Qatari Nationals (irrespective of the type of travel document held) and in additional to not being permitted to land at a UAE airport will also not be permitted to transit any United Arab Emrates airport

For example: A Qatari National Pax holding an EK ticket routed LOS-DXB-LHR will not be permitted to transit Dubai enroute to LHR and must be refused at origin.

Affected passengers are advised to contact the Emirates or contact their travel agent.

9 Amazing Funspots in Ibadan

Thinking of visiting or relocating to the city with tons of brown roofs anytime soon? Or are you are already there and you are tired of visiting the cinemas or just sitting at home? Here are a few places you can go just to unwind, relax, have fun;

1. Agodi Gardens and Leisure Park

Located on Parliament road lies one of the most attractive places in Ibadan that attracts over hundreds of people daily. Agodi garden has a large park filled with lovely shrubs and flowers and a lake where one can go boat cruising. There is also a swimming pool, a restaurant, play areas for kids and a mini zoo. Agodi garden is definitely one of the amazing places to visit in Ibadan.

Airport concession will work if backed by rule of law’

Wale Babalakin

Dr. Wale Babalakin (SAN) is the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operator of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), Lagos. In an interactive session with the media in commemoration of 10th Anniversary celebration of MMA2, he addressed critical issues concerning the first privately-funded terminal in West Africa and the budding plan to concession airports nationwide. WOLE OYEBADE was there. Excerpts: 

Multiple charges cost local airlines 65 per cent revenue

Apparently unable to pay the bills amidst other critical obligations that include maintenance, fuel and personnel, the airlines are more in financial distress with the attendant debt burden cumulatively estimated at N15 billion.

• Carriers list 37 levies, taxes
• Charges are statutory, says NCAA

Local airlines in the country have very slim chances of survival under the alleged current regime of multiple taxes. According to the airlines, sundry charges, under the guise of taxes and levies at airports nationwide, account for at least 65 per cent of revenue accruing to them.

Apparently unable to pay the bills amidst other critical obligations that include maintenance, fuel and personnel, the airlines are more in financial distress with the attendant debt burden cumulatively estimated at N15 billion.

Fly Mid Africa debuts as airline picks Peacock as agent

One of its aviation and travels conglomerate, Peacock Aviation Services, has been appointed as its general sales agent for its operations in Nigeria.According to a joint statement by Fly Mid Africa and Peacock Aviation.

The Gambia’s new national carrier, Fly Mid Africa, would start its flight services from Banjul, the country’s capital, en route Dakar, Freetown, Accra to Lagos. 

One of its aviation and travels conglomerate, Peacock Aviation Services, has been appointed as its general sales agent for its operations in Nigeria.According to a joint statement by Fly Mid Africa and Peacock Aviation, the airline is focused on easing the challenges business and leisure travelers from Nigeria and other nationals face across key cities in Africa, especially West and Central Africa. 

Electronic device ban on Europe-U.S. flights can lead to $1.4bn productivity loss – IATA

The Director General of the Geneva-based apex aviation body, Mr Alexandre de Juniac, said the ban was one of the key issues to be discussed at IATA’s 73rd Annual General Assembly scheduled for June 4 to June 6 in Cancun, Mexico.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) says expanding the cabin ban on the carriage of large Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) to Europe-to-US flights can lead to 1.4 billion dollar loss of productivity.

The Director General of the Geneva-based apex aviation body, Mr Alexandre de Juniac, said the ban was one of the key issues to be discussed at IATA’s 73rd Annual General Assembly scheduled for June 4 to June 6 in Cancun, Mexico.