BA launches new iPad app

British Airways has launched a new iPad version of its mobile travel app, with extra features including a 3D globe for flight searches.

Users can create a viewing plan for the in-flight entertainment on their flight, by dragging and dropping for the menu of available TV shows, movies and music.

The interactive 3D globe allows travellers to search and book flights, and boarding passes can be downloaded “with a bar code produced in each of the iPad’s four corners, for ease of use at the gate”.

Commenting on the launch of the new iPad app, Sara Dunham, BA’s head of marketing retail and direct channels said:

Virgin flight turns back after "laser incident"

Virgin Atlantic was forced to return one of its transatlantic flights to Heathrow shortly after take off, following a "laser-beam incident".

The New York-bound Airbus A340 service was on its way to New York when one of its pilots was apparently "dazzled" by a laser beam pointed at the cockpit.

The BBC news website has published an air traffic control recording of the incident her, in which a crew member reports "a medical issue with one of the pilots after a laser incident after take-off".

Historic Liverpool bank to become luxury hotel

The historic Grade II-listed Martin’s Bank building in Liverpool is to be transformed into a luxury hotel.

Located on Water Street close to the city’s Liverpool One development, the neo classical building dates back to 1932, and will now be converted into a 227-room hotel with spa facilities, bar and fine dining restaurant.

The building was the hiding place for much of the UK’s gold reserves during the Second World War – the transferral of the gold by train to the bank was the subject of the award-winning The Bullion Boys starring David Jason.

Ondo Signs Agreement with Air Peace Airline, Begins Operation Feb. 22

Ondo State Government, yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding on Air Transportation with AIR PEACE Airline  to shuttle Akure – Abuja to and fro. The flight operation will commence tentatively on February 22, 2016 according to the agreement.

Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, SAN signed on behalf of Ondo State Government while Mrs Ejiro Eghagha, Director of Finance of the Airline signed on behalf of the Chairman of the Airline, Barr Allen Onyema.

Mr Jegede, SAN said the agreement is to make the Akure Airport fully operational again and encourage the people of Ondo State on the culture of Air Transportation.

AMCON takes over Aero, to audit airline’s accounts

The Asset Management Company of Nigeria has taken over the management and operations Aero Contractors airline and has appointed a manager for the carrier.

It also announced that it had hired a reputable firm to undertake a forensic audit of the airline’s accounts for the last five years.

Airline operators appeal to FG on Forex restriction

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Wednesday appealed to the Federal Government to rescind its decision to restrict supply of foreign exchange to only bureaux de change in the country.

 

The President of AON, Capt. Nogie Meggison, made the appeal while addressing journalists in Lagos.

Meggisson said the decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) not to supply bureaux de change foreign exchange had restricted some business concerns from having access to it.

He said that the CBN’s decision had created adverse effects on airline operations in the country.

“The exchange rate in the parallel market is going for as high as N305 per dollar

“As we all know, foreign exchange is very difficult to access now. We met the CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, in November 2015 and he promised us that he would look into it.

“About 80 per cent of aviation cost is directly affected by this decision on foreign exchange. It affects the buying of aviation fuel and spare parts, simulator training of pilots and processing of insurance.

One passenger missing: Somalia plane blast: airline

One passenger is missing after a blast on a commercial airliner that ripped a hole in its fuselage shortly after take-off from Somalia’s capital, the airline said Thursday.

“All passengers except one disembarked safely after aircraft landed at the airport,” Daallo Airlines said in a statement. “Investigations are underway to ascertain the cause of one missing passenger.”

Airlines fail due to lack of operating cash – Official

Mr Aaron Munetsi, Regional General Manager, Africa and Middle East, South African Airways (SAA), has attributed the failure of some airlines in Africa to lack of operational cash. Munetsi said this in an interview with reporters on Friday in Abuja.

Nigeria has a vibrant aviation industry, says S/African airline official

Mr Aaron Munetsi, Regional General Manager, Africa and Middle East, South African Airways (SAA), says Nigeria has a vibrant aviation industry that can compete with any other country of the world.

Munetsi stated this in an interview with our reporter on Friday in Abuja. He said that the country’s rating in terms of aviation industry in Africa was a success story, adding that he had watched the industry grown in “leaps and bounds” since 1980s.

FG must scale down flight charges for struggling airlines to flourish — AON

 THE determination of the current dispensation of “change” to revive the aviation sector may hit the rock if government does not consider a downward review of flight charges to help the struggling indigenous airlines to flourish, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has said. The association also threatened to ground domestic operations if government does not heed to this call.

US implements visa waiver changes

The US has made changes to its Visa Waiver Programme (VWP), restricting its usage to travellers who have dual nationality with, or have recently visited Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria.

The new restrictions – which have been implemented under the Visa Waiver Programme Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015 – come into effect today (January 21, 2016).

They mean that nationals of countries participating in the VWP, who have dual nationality with Iran, Iraq, Sudan or Syria, may no longer use the programme to enter the country.

FAAN targets 30m passengers on completion of Airport terminal

With the completion of the new terminal in Lagos, the terminal will be able to process additional 15 million passengers, which mean we will be able to service about 30 million passengers.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) says it is targeting to handle 30 million passengers traffic after completion of the ongoing terminal at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

FAAN's General Manager, Corporate Affairs Yakubu Dati made this known when he spoke with aviation correspondents in Lagos on Wednesday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that FAAN presently handles 15 million passengers, but has projected an additional traffic of 15 million before the end of 2016.

Dati expressed optimism that a more safe and secured airport would be witnessed this year when the new terminals under construction would be completed.

NUATE Gives Airlines 3-Month Ultimatum on Debts Owed Aviation Agencies

He said the unions were prepared to partner with the Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika and other stakeholders in the sector.

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has given a three-month ultimatum to domestic airlines to liquidate outstanding debts owed aviation agencies in the country.

NUATE's Assistant General Secretary, Mr Olayinka Abioye, gave the ultimatum in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

Arik Air rewards Still On

The campaign, designed to endear passengers to the airline will run from November 4, 2015 to January 30, 2016. During a flight, a lucky draw will be done using ticket numbers of passengers onboard. The ticket number to be pulled out goes home with a gift handed out in mid-flight.

Commenting on the initiative, Managing Director of Arik Air, Mr. Chris Ndulue said:

“This year Arik Air turns nine. We have grown to be the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa on the strength of the trust and loyalty of the millions of travelers who have chosen Arik Air as their preferred carrier. It is only fitting that we recognize such deep loyalty and reward it. That is the whole essence of the #ArikCares Give-Away.”
Jide Alade, Associate Vice President – Marketing & Communications, added further: “Nothing you do for your customers can be too much. So, while giving out an iPhone 6S or a 3D TV mid-flight seems pretty cool, a smile of satisfaction on a passenger’s face is worth much more than a million 3D TVs to us. ”

IATA Licensed FirstNation Airline with IOSA Certificate

Successful companies are included in the IOSA registry for a period of two years following an audit carried out by an organisation accredited by IATA. 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has formally presented FirstNation Airways with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certificate.

The certificate was presented to the airline's Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Chimara Imediegwu on Friday by IATA's Area Manager, South West Africa, Mr Samson Fatokun in Lagos.

Etihad Airways Wins airberlin Codeshare Appeal

Etihad Airways has won an appeal allowing it to continue to offer Air Berlin codeshare services on all but five routes.

At the end of last year a court had revoked approval for a number of its codeshare services with the German carrier, but Etihad appealed against the decision.

Holiday Destinations in West Africa

West Africa is made up of eighteen (18) Countries, the region shares a history of European colonialism from 1490’s. The West African States gained independence in the 1960’s.

However, we can still see the relics of the European cultural influences in many. Nature blessed this region with beaches, Mountains, Valleys, Game Reserve Resorts which will make many marvel..

These sites are maintained as Natural, Cultural, and Historical Religious and Political relics/sites that make for tourist attractions.

KLM offers virtual reality tour of B787-9 Dreamliner

KLM has developed a virtual reality app to enable passengers to explore its new B787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.

The new app allows a tour of both the economy and World Business Class cabins, and is available for both Android and Apple smartphones – for more information click on the links below:

• Android
• Apple

NEWS » Emirates to take delivery of 37 aircraft in 2016

Emirates will take delivery of a record 37 aircraft in 2016, including over 20 Airbus superjumbos.

A tweet on the Gulf carrier's Twitter page confirms Emirates will welcome 21 A380s and 16 B777-300ERs to its fleet, as it looks to replace older aircraft including selected A330-300, A340-500, B777-200 and B777-300s.

In recent weeks the Gulf carrier has announced plans to bolster its A380 services on routes to Perth, Amsterdam and Los Angeles, as well as introducing the superjumbo on its Washington route for the first time.

To put the figure of 37 new deliveries in some context, it is almost as many as fellow Gulf carrier Oman Air's entire fleet (currently 39 aircraft).

The airline currently operates just over 70 A380 superjumbos, and is by far the biggest customer for the double-decker Airbus aircraft, with a total of 140 firm orders.

Senate seeks probe of $40m loan to aviation industry

The Senate has mandated its committees on aviation and anti-corruption to commence investigation into alleged disbursement of 40 million dollars ($40m) loan for rehabilitation and development of infrastructure in the aviation industry.

The mandate is part of a 15-point recommendation adopted while considering report of the Ad Hoc Committee on Aviation on the poor state of the aviation industry in Nigeria. The report was presented by the Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso (APC Kano Central).

Arik Air Introduces New Wine Selection

Arik Air, says it has chosen to source all onboard wines from the Wildekrans Wine Estate, which sits just an hour away from Cape Town city centre. Each of Arik’s long haul services – New York, London and Johannesburg – will have a ‘From Our Cellar’ wine menu card in Premier Business Class that will be offered with food menu.

The boutique vineyard is located in Cape Town and will supply the airline’s Premier Class and Economy Class wines. The Wildekrans Wine Estate is just an hour away from Cape Town city centre, so Arik Air is pleased to be supporting local wine producers.

The new wine selection will be progressively introduced to all domestic and regional Business Class services (those departing after 10am) during the course of the next few months.

NCCA Threatens To Sanction Airline Operators

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to sanction any airline operator that arbitrarily increases miscellaneous charges included in airfares without the authority’s approval.

Global Demand For Air Freight May Pick Up, Says IATA

The decline in global demand for air freight may be bottoming out, with increased cargo volumes in November, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) said on Monday.

In a statement made available by the Director-General of IATA, Mr Tony Tyler.

According to IATA, air freight volumes were down 1.2 per cent in November compared with a year earlier.

“Total cargo volumes were up when compared with October 2015.

“It appears that parts of Asia-Pacific are growing again and globally, export orders are looking better,’’ IATA said. (Reuters/NAN)

FAAN Furious As Turkish Airlines Arrives Nigeria Without Passengers’ Luggage Again

Turkish Airlines has again arrived Nigeria without passengers’ luggage, two weeks after the same situation caused a roar at the Abuja international airport. Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has advised the airline to resolve the recurrent cases of carrying passengers without their luggage or face dire consequences.

NCAA Grants Airline Operating Certificate

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted a Nigerian based private jet charter company, Izy Air Limited an Air Operator’s certificate (AOC). At a short and colourful ceremony on December 17th, 2015, which was held at the NCAA Office, Ikeja, Lagos where the Certificate was presented to the President of Izy Air Ltd, Alex Izinyon II by the NCAA Director of Operations and Training, Captain Abdullahi Sidi, the organization said it is determined to give their clients the best interms of private jet services.

Etihad New Baggage Allowance as at September 2015

Etihad New Baggage Allowance as at September 2015 and as seen On 14 September 2015, Etihad Airways changed its checked baggage allowances and its excess baggage rates.

If you purchased your ticket prior to 14 September 2015, the pre-14 September checked baggage allowances will apply.

However, 2015 excess baggage rates will apply to all passengers, irrespective of ticket purchase date. The only exceptions to our new excess baggage rates are:

139 Suspect Drug Traffickers Arrested by NDLEA at the MMIA in 2015

NDLEA arrested 139 suspected drug traffickers at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport in year 2015 NDLEA stated.  

 

The Commander Mr. Garba Ahmadu speaks with journalist in his office stated that 119 of the 139 are male while the remaining 20 are female

He said “In 2015, we made 590.9 kilograms of seizure while about 120 cases were before the Federal High Court, with 17 convicted.

“There was a little increase in arrests by the command because we made a seizure of 436,065kg in 2014 while it increased in 2015 to 590.9kg.

NCAA lifts Sanction against Acorn Petroleum on Supply of Aviation Fuel

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has lifted the suspension it recently imposed on Acorn Petroleum Limited from supplying aviation fuel to domestic and foreign airlines at airports in the country.

 

NCAA had suspended Acorn and four other oil marketing companies from supplying aviation fuel to local and foreign airlines operating in the country.

In a notice to the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), the NCAA explained that the suspension became necessary due to lack of depot facilities by the oil firms and the inability to verify their integrity and competencies.

But THISDAY gathered that the sanction against Acorn has been lifted via a letter signed on behalf of the Director General of NCAA by the Director of Air-worthiness Standards, Mr. Benedict Adeyileka.

Why Aero, Arik and Dana are the most preferred airlines in Nigeria

A recent survey by a Nigerian business and management consulting company, Phillips Consulting Limited has revealed that out of the 20 domestic airlines operating in Nigeria to major cities such as Lagos, Calabar, Abuja and Enugu- Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Dana Airlines are the most preferred airlines. This survey was done between May and August 2015 in order to determine the perception and expectations of domestic travellers. Despite flight delays and safety concerns of these airlines Aero contractors ranked first with 39 percent, followed by Arik Air with 34 percent and Dana Airlines with 10 percent.

Aero Contractors

Source:- VenturesAfrica

Fares Price Raise by 50%

Airline operators in Nigeria have increased their fares by about 50% from, as travellers begin to return to their bases after the Christmas and New Year holiday.

At the ticketing counter of Aero, a one-way ticket from Enugu to Lagos was sold for N31,600 and at Arik it was sold for 46,400.

While FirstNation sold its ticket to Abuja for 19,000, Arik sold for N25,500, while the same ticket for an hour trip was sold for N28,600 at Aero.

Turkish airline probed over passengers’ baggage

The Consumer Protection Council (CPC) has directed the Turkish Airlines to provide a full situation report of events surrounding the alleged ill-treatment of its passengers arriving into Abuja from December 20, 2015.

Med-View Begins Saudi,Kano and Lagos Flight.

Medview has started direct flight service from Lagos to Kano and Kano to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, on direct four (4) hours on board time.

Medview lunched its flight to Saudi Arabia from Murtala Mohammed International airport, Lagos. At the recently lunched service Medview become the first Nigeria airline to start operating from Nigeria to Saudi in which 36 passengers were lifted.

Rat Spotted on Plane

An Air India plane flying to London was forced to return to Mumbai after passengers spotted a rat on board, the airline said Thursday. Though the rat was not found, the pilot returned to Mumbai on Wednesday keeping passenger safety in mind, Air India said in a statement. Passengers were later flown by a separate aircraft to London. The aircraft would be fumigated and checked before it is returned to service.

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Darius opens up Taraba airspace for business and leisure

For the cursory observer, the event of Monday 7th Decem­ber, 2015 at Jalingo airport may hold no serious significance. In fact, some may dismiss it as anoth­er jamboree organised to shore up the image profile of certain individ­uals. 

But for insiders and those keen on the progress of the relatively new state, that day marks a watershed in its history.

It was the day the skies lit­erally opened up to usher in a new day. And as the curtained was pulled to the side to herald the commence­ment of air travel to Jalingo from Abuja, not a few went into wild ju­bilation. Clearly, a new era of fresh experiences had debuted and the story of Taraba might have forever changed. There is probably not a sin­gle Taraba citizen who didn’t feel the sense of pride and fulfilment as the plane lifted off and landed on those new tarmacs.

Turkish Airlines Announced As Official Airline Partner of Euro2016

Turkish Airlines has signed a global sponsorship deal to become the ‘official airline partner’ of UEFA Euro 2016, the first carrier to partner with the tournament in its 55-year history.

NCAA Warns all Airlines and Pilots Over Harmattan

NCAA has issued out warning to all airlines and pilots to ensure safety and get adequate de­parture, en route and destination weather information from NIMET (Nigerian Meteorological Agency), prior to flight operations.

AERO AIRLINE WORKERS PROTEST IN LAGOS

Workers of Aero Airlines yesterday staged a peaceful protest around the airport alleging that the Asset Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON) is mismanaging funds injected into the carrier.

The workers spoke through the branch Chairman of the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Comrade Emoapo Ayo-Ife.
The management of the airline is yet to comment on the matter.

The chief executive officer of the public relation agency managing the airline, Mr Simon Tumba, said he has not been briefed by its client on the matter.

HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS IN WEST AFRICA

West Africa is made up of eighteen (18) Countries, the region shares a history of European colonialism from 1490’s. The West African States gained independence in the 1960’s.

However, we can still see the relics of the European cultural influences in many. Nature blessed this region with beaches, Mountains, Valleys, Game Reserve Resorts which will make many marvel..

These sites are maintained as Natural, Cultural, and Historical Religious and Political relics/sites that make for tourist attractions.

Annoucement from Etihad Airways Closure of Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Closure of Chennai International Airport (MAA)

Etihad Airways has been forced to suspend its flights from and to Chennai till December 16 due to the to the extended closure of  Chennai International Airport  (MAA), as a result of the ongoing  floods.

We are closely monitoring the situation, and awaiting for official confirmation of the airport’s reopening to resume normal operations thereafter.

Etihad Airways changed their homepage fromn etihadairways.com to etihad.com

 

Etihad Airways is a flag carrier and the second-largest airline of the United Arab Emirates (after Emirates). Its head office is in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, near Abu Dhabi International Airport (OMAA - ICAO). Established by Amiri decree of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in July 2003, Etihad commenced operations in November 2003.

Etihad Airways recently changed their homepage from www.etihadairways.com to www.etihad.com

DANA Air to begin daily flights to Accra from December 1

DANA Air has announced plans to begin daily flights to Accra from its Lagos hub.

Flight services according to the airline would commence from December 1, 2015 from the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2 ) , Ikeja, Lagos.

Mr Obi Mbanuzuo of DANA Air said  “We are now set to commence daily flights to Accra with a smart plan to bring world-class options to the flying public, in terms of in-flight service, on-time performance and pocket-friendly fares.

 “Part of the initiatives we have launched recently are the frequent flyer program to reward our loyal customers, online check-in to reduce congestion at the check-in counters and delays at the airport.

Arik Air debuts self-service kiosks for passengers

Arik Air has introduced self-service kiosks for passengers travelling to any part of the country and beyond.

The airline also introduced two extra payment options to broaden payment options available to passengers.

Mr. Ola Adebanji, the spokesperson for the airline stated that the self-service kiosk allows passengers make bookings and pay for Arik Air tickets without the intervention or assistance from any of its officers.

Thailand confirms six-month multiple-entry tourist visa

Thai’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs has confirmed that a new six-month multiple-entry tourist visa will be available from 13 November.

The ministry publicly released details of the new visas on its Facebook page

Unlike current tourist visas, which offer from one to three entries, the six-month multiple-entry visa will allow unlimited border crossings during the validity period.

‘Multiple-entries for foreign airlines affect the growth of local airlines’ – Ore

Capt. Dele Ore (Rtd)

An aviation expert, Capt. Dele Ore (Rtd), on Saturday said that allocation of multiple entries to foreign airlines were adversely affecting the growth and survival of local airline operators.

Ore, the former President of Aviation Round Table (ART), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the multiple entries of foreign airlines were hampering the operation of domestic airlines.

He, however, urged the new minister of state for Aviation, Capt. Hadi Sirika, to urgently review the trend in line with the stoppage of payment of royalties by foreign airlines.

Ore advised local operators to form alliances and cooperation in order to tap into the benefits of economics of scale and scope which would accrue from such collaborations.

Med-view to commence direct flights to London November 20

Med-view Airline has announced that it will begin direct flight to London from Lagos Airport.

Medview is expected to join Arik Air as the only two indigenous airlines on that route.

Flight services will commence on the 20th of November, 2015. The airline will be kicking–off the services with fare of N149, 000 on Economy class cabin and N599, 000 on Business class cabin.

Similarly, baggage allowance on the route will be a 32kg (2-piece) for economy and a 32kg (3-piece) baggage allowance for Business class.

According to Muneer Bankole, the airline’s Managing Director, “The Lagos-London route has remained one of the busiest in the world yet remained the most expensive; it is against this backdrop that Medview Airline is entering the route as a Nigerian flag carrier to supply the missing link- capacity, reasonable fares, and good customer care ad excellent in-flight entertainment.

BA announces improved service on Lagos-London route

The management of British Airways has revealed its improved services on the Lagos- London route on board its Boeing 747 aircraft from January 2016.

The Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales for British Airways, Mr Paolo De-Renzis, Head of Middle East, Africa and Central Asia Sales, British Airways disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos.

New Online Booking Portal travelbeta Unveiled in Lagos

Many people ask us what happens if their old passports expire or on the verge of expiration while they still have a valid visa on it.

While there is no way to physically transfer the visa from one passport to the other, we are happy to tell you that most likely, you can still use the valid visa in your old passport.

As long as the biographical information on your visa (full name, date of birth, place of birth and nationality) is the same as the biographical data on your new passport, then this is possible.

All you need to do is  bring your old and new pass­ports together any time you plan to travel to that country . That way, when you reach the border, the cus­toms agent will be able see that you have both a valid passport and a valid visa.

Dubai withdraws extension, increases visa fees

The cost of processing Dubai visa has reportedly been increased by the UAE authorities.
Also, the extension allowed on 30 days visa has also been withdrawn.

Biometric visa application now mandatory for Schengen states

27 European countries are set to introduce a biometric visa application system for applicants from Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Turkey, Eastern Europe and East Asia among others.

The European Union in a statement said this is to help streamline visa applications and protect applicants against identity theft and visa shopping.