Air Peace to open Ibadan, Abuja, Kano, Owerri routes

As part of its no-city-left-behind initiative, Air Peace airlines has concluded plans to open the Ibadan route via direct flights connecting the city to Abuja, Kano and Owerri.

African cargo freight surges by 12.6 per cent amid global slump

 

Cargo freight by African carrier recorded a 12.6 surge in the month of October amid slight decline in the global air freight market. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday released data for global air freight markets showing that demand decreased by 3.5 percent in October 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. 

NCAA blames flight delays, cancellations on poor use of capacity

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has blamed the perennial flight delays and cancellations on poor use of capacity across the domestic routes. The apex regulatory body urged the carriers to always allow room for exigencies in aircraft deployment and daily operations to mitigate the worrisome trend.

FG okays multiple flights for foreign airlines during yuletide

The Federal Government has approved multiple flight operations for foreign carriers to facilitate movements during the festive peak period.

The move, The Guardian learned, was informed by difficulties in passenger and cargo air transport during the high-traffic yuletide season. Passengers, especially Nigerians coming home for Christmas and New Year, often travel with excess baggage that does overwhelm the airlines’ operating equipment.

NAPTIP reads riot act against trafficking

Julie Okah–Donli

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has read the riot acts against human trafficking at airports nationwide.

Global aviation goes tough on terrorism, unruly passengers

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika (left) and Secretary General of ICAO, Dr. Fang Liu, in Montreal, Canada recently 

•Nigeria ratifies protocols ahead of implementation in January 2020
Unruly passengers and terrorists alike are in for hard times as the international civil aviation community is set to activate new enforcement measures.

Airbus gets biggest deal of Dubai air show with $16 billion order

Adel Ali (L), CEO of Air Arabia, and Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Airbus, attend a press conference after the signing of an agreement during the Dubai Airshow on November 18, 2019. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP)

Local airline bids for N74.4 billion worth of aircraft

(Middle) Air Peace Chief of Finance and Administration, Ejiroghene Eghagha, while signing the new deal. Photo: TWITTER/FLYAIRPEACE

A fresh bid to acquire three Embraer jets will cost local airline the sum of N74.4 billion ($212.6 million), base on the manufacturer’s current price lists.

South African Airways cancels Lagos flights as strike begins

South African Airways (SAA) yesterday announced the cancellation of Lagos flight operations for this weekend as its workers begin indefinite strike today. The airline in a notice to travel agencies said the cancellation would affect nearly all its domestic, regional and international operations. 

Boeing to resume 737 Max deliveries in December

Grounded Boeing 737 Max planes. SOURCE: Google

Boeing has said it expects to resume deliveries of its grounded 737 Max planes as early as next month and that airline could be able to restart commercial service in January, sending shares of the manufacturer sharply higher.

NAMA upgrades communication at Enugu airport, installs VSAT, VHF systems

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has disclosed plans to install Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) station, and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio systems at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
 
The Guardian learned that the installation, beginning this week, was part of the measures to end blind spots in the eastern corridor of the Nigerian airspace.

AMCON proposes Arik Air as new national carrier

• Seeks reform of aviation laws
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday proposed the adoption of Arik Air as the new national carrier.

NCAA downgrades Med-View’s operation, to withdraw licence

Medview Airline

• Management, workers panic over prolong the shutdown
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has disclosed plans to withdraw the operating certificate of Med-View Airline Plc by November, over the prolonged shutdown of commercial operations.

Med-View ‘shuts’ operations as planes go out of service

Staffers and shareholders of Med-View Airlines Plc may be in for more difficult times, as the airline has shut down flight operations.

The blackout, as observed Monday, was not unconnected with the airline’s only operating aircraft, B737-500, suddenly going out-of-service.

The development has, however, thrown some workers into panic mode as they groan over harsh realities due to an unpaid salary that varies between three months and one year.

The management of the airline told The Guardian that the “downtime” was temporary, as the technical issues were due to be resolved for operations to resume shortly.

Reps committee rallies behind Nigeria Air, flag carriers to deepen stake in AfCFTA

House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila

The House of Representative Committee on Aviation has rallied behind the proposed national carrier to deepen Nigeria’s stake in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact.

Air travel busiest day records 17m passengers, 115,500 flights

PHOTO: VON

Last Friday August 9 was adjudged the busiest single day of 2019 for flying around the world.

More than 17 million passengers were estimated to have taken to the skies on over 115,500 flights within a single 24-hour period.

Reps to probe collapse of Enugu Airport runway

[File] Front view of the domestic wing of Akanu-Ibiam International Airport Enugu<br />PHOTO: LAWRENCE NJOKU

The House of Representatives has disclosed plans to probe the collapse of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu that warrants its imminent closure for repairs. 

NCAA moves against fakery, to unveil licensed travel agencies

Airport. Photo credit: The Travel Magazine

• NANTA, KATA deepen regional cooperation
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed plans to publish a list of licensed travel agencies in the country as part of measures to check illegal agencies and fakery nationwide.

Pilot emerges hero as plane lands in cornfield

A Russian pilot has been hailed as a hero after he successfully crash-landed a passenger plane in a cornfield today after birds were sucked into both engines, causing them to fail.

Local operators kick as Emirates’ daily flight hits four

Emirates Airline. PHOTO: TWITTER

Local airline operators have faulted the Federal Government’s grant of additional frequency to Emirates Airlines to bring its daily flights out of Nigeria to four.

Airbus extends lead as Boeing new orders plunge 71 per cent

(FILES) In this file photo taken on March 11, 2019 The Boeing Company logo is seen on a building in Annapolis Junction, Maryland. – Boeing announced July 3, 2019it would give $100 million to communities and families affected by two crashes on its 737 MAX planes that claimed 346 lives. Describing the sum as an “initial investment” over multiple years, Boeing said it would work with local governments and non-profit organizations to provide living expenses and boost economic development in regions affected by crashes of planes operated by Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air. (Photo by Jim WATSON / AFP)

French commercial jet manufacturer, Airbus, has stretched its lead over Boeing in aircraft deliveries, as the latter continues to be held back by the grounding of its embattled 737 Max model. 

Air travel busiest day records 17m passengers, 115,500 flights

PHOTO: VON

Last Friday August 9 was adjudged the busiest single day of 2019 for flying around the world.

More than 17 million passengers were estimated to have taken to the skies on over 115,500 flights within a single 24-hour period.

Air Peace to partner on Johannesburg, Mumbai routes

Air Peace

Air Peace airline has hinted on plans to partner other carriers on the Johannesburg and Mumbai routes. The partnership is to deepen and sustain the two international operations that are also scheduled for launch soon.Air Peace last weekend opened its international account with the Lagos-Sharjah/Dubai route. The destination is one of the six the Federal Government approved in 2018.

NCAA okays Lagos Aviation Academy training centre

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) office

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has okayed the Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) as an Approved Training Organisation (ATO).

This feat enables the academy to run additional courses such as the cabin crew ab-initio programme and the basic flight dispatcher course.

Air Peace reassures public of safety, airworthiness

[FILES] Air Peace

Air Peace airline, yesterday, reassured its customers and members of the public of safe operations and airworthiness of its airplanes following recent incidences. 

NCAA tells FAAN to deploy more patrol vans at airports

NCAA, Sam Adurogboye

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has advised the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to deploy more security patrol vehicles to airports nationwide.

Travel agencies rally FG to developmental policies

President of NANTA, Bernard Bankole. PHOTO: nanta.org.ng

Travel agencies in the country have urged the Federal Government to embrace and implement developmental policies for the growth of the aviation industry.

Task force probes FAAN officials in drug trafficking saga at Kano Airport

Malam Aminu Kano International Airport

A special task force of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has been mandated to investigate some staffers of the authority that were fingered in the recent drug trafficking saga at the Kano International Airport.

NCAA warns pilots of thunderstorm, bad weather

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday warned pilots and airline operators to be wary of bad weather and attendant thunderstorms.

IATA rallies global aviation regulators behind B737 Max airplanes

A Boeing737Max aircraft

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), yesterday urged aviation safety regulators worldwide to continue to align on technical validation requirements and timelines for the safe re-entry into service of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft.

KLM bankrolls V-shape plane experiment

Dutch airline KLM are funding a pioneering aeronautical project which could see the shape and layout of commercial aeroplanes changed forever.

The stunning ‘Flying-V’ design has the same wingspan as existing planes and is able to carry up to 314 passengers.

FAAN rallies airlines, operators to improved airport infrastructure plan

Managing Director of FAAN, Capt. Rabiu Yadudu

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has entered into a partnership with the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) and Airline Operating Committee (AOC) towards improving services at airports nationwide.

Air Peace faults AIB on unreported incidents’ claim

Air Peace

Air Peace has disagreed with the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), over allegations of unreported incidents and accidents by the airline, describing it as a misrepresentation of facts.

Sirika commissions Maiduguri airport terminal building

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has commissioned the rehabilitated terminal building of the Maiduguri International Airport for commercial operations.

The minister, who commissioned the project yesterday in Maiduguri, said the completion of the project was a fulfilment of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration to complete all ongoing projects across nation’s airports.

Meanwhile, during the minister’s visit to the palace of Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Elkanemi, the monarch requested for the upgrade of the airport to be able to accommodate hajj operation.

Row over allocation of 35% hajj traffic to Saudi airline

Hajj

The recent allocation of 35 per cent hajj passenger traffic to Saudi Arabian airlines, Flynas, by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has again sparked row in the local air travel industry.

Bid to concession Asaba Airport opens

Asaba Airport

The bid to concession the Asaba International Airport has opened with two consortia, FIDMA/MA and AIMS becoming the favourite bidders.

Bristow deepens operations, acquires five aircraft

Asaba Airport

The bid to concession the Asaba International Airport has opened with two consortia, FIDMA/MA and AIMS becoming the favourite bidders.

NCAA issues 60 days ultimatum to unregistered agencies

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), yesterday, issued a 60-day ultimatum to all travel agents on the platform of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), to get registered with the apex regulator or face sanction.The body said the demand for NCAA’s certificate of registration is in line with the laws and remains mandatory.

Aero Contractors rebounds, marks 60th anniversary

Aero Contractors airlines, yesterday, commemorated its 60th anniversary with signs of a rebound in operations and fortunes.The oldest surviving airlines in Nigeria reeled out new positives in commercial flight services, charter operations and critical maintenance services to the air travel industry.

Air travel records 18m passengers, 11 per cent traffic surge

[FILE PHOTO] Nigeria’s Aviation minister Hadi Sirika

The aviation industry has recorded an upsurge in passenger traffic, with no fewer than 18 million passengers now travelling the Nigerian airspace in a year.The surge, compared with the 2017 figures, represents about 11 per cent increase in passenger traffic.

Enugu Airport: EFTZ declares full certification, safety compliance

Stakeholders in the Enugu Free Trade Zone (EFTZ) have declared their willingness to work with the Ministry of Aviation in addressing all concerns over the proximity of one of the units of the free zone with the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

Airbus secures $35b Chinese deal for 300 aircraft

Airbus

President Xi Jinping’s state visit to the French capital has won Airbus a $35 billion jet deal from China, dealing a blow to Boeing as it grapples with the grounding of its best-selling jet.

Air Peace deepens Asaba operations

Air Peace airline has deployed a Boeing 737 aircraft to deepen its Asaba operations in line with the growing demand.The development, the airline said, was in response to the yearnings of the flying public, for bigger-capacity equipment on the route.

ICAO tells Nigeria, others to upgrade airport infrastructure

Nigeria Aviation minister Hadi Sirika

Passenger traffic to hit 8.1billion by 2035
The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has harped on the urgent need for Nigeria, and other African countries, to upgrade their airport infrastructure to meet projected growth in the aviation industry.

Peacock, Turkish airlines partner to boost airfreight

Turkish Airlines / AFP PHOTO / JACK GUEZ

Nigeria’s airfreight subsector is set for a major boost as Peacock Aviation and Allied Services Limited teams up with Turkish Airlines Cargo to deliver efficient and on time cargo services.

Over 5000 unlicenced travel agencies operate in Nigeria

 

NANTA holds 43rd AGM in Lagos
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has again bemoaned activities of unregistered travel agencies in the country, exposing the industry to fakery.

The apex regulatory body, which is statutorily mandated to accredit travel agencies, said only 157 agencies have registered to date, with over 5000 others operating illegally.

FAAN targets revenue boost for airport infrastructure

Muritala Muhammud International Airport, Lagos/ AYODELE ADENIRAN

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has set up a committee to map out plans to boost non-aeronautical revenue, to upgrade airports’ infrastructure nationwide.

High expectations as Air Peace sets for long-haul operations

Air Peace

Following dismal outing of local carriers on the international routes, Air Peace Airlines is set to foray into the long-haul operations, and on its wings are high expectations from stakeholders.

Ibom Air launched, begins operation with three aircraft

Saraki, Governor Udom Emmanuel at the commissioning of #IbomAir. Photo/twitter/BukolaSaraki

Akwa Ibom State government has launched Ibom Air airlines, becoming the first State in Nigeria to own a commercial airline.

By the multi-million naira worth of investment, the state government aims to facilitate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, as well as enhance connectivity in the region.

Emirates plans twice-daily operations on Abuja route

Emirates Airlines

Emirates Airlines yesterday disclosed plans to upscale flight services to Abuja, with twice-daily flights beginning from June 1.

Air France targets new routes as PH operations wind down

AFP PHOTO / ATTA KENARE

The wind down of Port Harcourt (PH) operations notwithstanding, Air France is targeting some new routes in the United States in response to interests of Nigerian customers.

Global transit passengers enjoy taste of Addis Gratis.

NCAT moves to bridge capacity, training equipment gaps

Apparently in response to emerging needs in the air travel sector, the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria, Kaduna State, is taking fresh steps to boost capacity and training infrastructure within the country.Besides the order for new training aircraft, NCAT has commenced a catch-them-young initiative, reaching out to potential pilots and engineers in secondary schools.

NAHCO restrategises to sustain growth, increase value

Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 PHOTO:Wikipedia

The National Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), has announced a five-year transformation plan that would help optimise its resources for sustainable growth and increased shareholders’ value.Under the plan, NAHCO said it will invest heavily on capacity building for its people, technology and automation as well as facility upgrade.