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Monday, October 31, 2016

Nigeria, Portugal to implement BASA

The Minister of State, Aviation, Mr Hadi Sirika, says Nigeria and the Republic of Portugal are set to implement the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA).

Sirika disclosed this while receiving the Portuguese delegation led by Mrs Theresa Ribeiro, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of Portugal, in Abuja.

‘Agreement default stalls $20m re-fleeting exercise for NCAT’

The contract to acquire 20 new training aircraft for the Nigerian College of Aviation and Technology (NCAT) at the sum of $20million has lately been enmeshed in controversies, with allegations and denials that the contract bypassed due process and might have been inflated. At the middle of it all is the contract awardee, Interjet Nigeria Limited, whose its Chief Executive Officer, Seun Peters, explains to reporters why none of the aircraft has been delivered till date among other sundry issues. WOLE OYEBADE was there.

The Senate penultimate week sent a shock wave down the spines of Nigerians and aviation industry, as it declared that multiple air crashes are imminent.

For many in the sector, it was like saying the turbulent aviation Year 2005/6 with worst cases of plane crashes in the country, is sudden upon the country again!

British Airways and Qatar Airways expand codeshare agreement

Qatar Airways has expanded its codeshare agreement with British Airways, to include BA flights within the UK and selected routes from Heathrow to Europe.

The carriers recently announced a joint business agreement on routes between the UK and Doha, and the new deal will see Qatar Airways codeshare on all BA flights within the UK, including routes to Aberdeen, Belfast, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Leeds, Bradford, Manchester and Newcastle.

Delta, Virgin Atlantic and Jet Airways have announced a new codeshare agreement covering services between North America and India via London Heathrow.

From November 2 Jet Airways customers travelling between India and North America will be able to connect at Heathrow onto nine US destinations operated by Delta, namely Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Minneapolis, New York, Philadelphia, Portland, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Etihad Airways has unveiled new destination-inspired business class amenity kits designs for routes to New York, Sao Paulo, Rome, Melbourne and Bangkok.

British Airways offers complimentary one-way first class upgrade

British Airways is offering business class travellers a complimentary one-way upgrade to first class on flights to the UK and Europe from Hong Kong, as the airline marks 80 years flying to the city.

The offer is available to flyers who book selected Club World business class tickets before November 30, 2016 from Hong Kong to one of its 22 UK destinations or 40 European destinations for travel before June 15, 2017.

Area Manager, South-West Africa, International Air Transport Association, (IATA) Dr. Samson Fatokun (right); Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, (MD/CEO), Med-View Airline Plc, Muneer Bankole; Head, Flight Operations, Med-View, Capt. Godfrey Ogbogwu and Executive Director, Technical, Med-View, Lookman Animashaun at the presentation of IOSA certificate in Lagos.

Firm gets IOSA certificate
Two African countries – Guinea-Bissau and Mali – have extended invitation to Med-View airlines to assume the status of their national carrier.The invitation, The Guardian learnt, is not unconnected with the airlines’ giant strides in domestic and international operations.

In a related development, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has awarded Med-View the prestigious IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate, as an endorsement of its compliance to international safety rules.

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

Travel agencies in the country have hailed the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to grant a concession to foreign airlines on access to foreign exchange.

The agencies, under the aegis of National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), commended the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, for giving attention to the persistent advocacy of the association to the effect that capital controls placed by government were stifling development in the aviation sector, making business difficult for airlines and reducing the capacity of Nigerians to embark on their legitimate travel business due to escalating air fares.

An airliner being fueled

Airline operators in the country have again cried out to the Federal Government to see to their plight in the area of aviation fuel and multiple charges levied by the regulatory agencies.

The operators, who claimed to be at the mercy of both the fuel marketers and regulators, said a proper review of both fuel cost and multiple charges would enable the airlines survive the current financial distress.

Engineer Saleh Dunoma, Managing Director, Federal Airport Authourity of Nigeria

• FG appoints new directors at FAAN

Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Saleh Dunoma, has been elected President of Airports Council International (ACI), Africa Region. Dunoma was elected at the 25th ACI-Africa annual assembly and regional conference and exhibition in Maputo, Mozambique.

British Airways has added Apple Pay to its iPhone app, allowing customers to store payment card details and pay for flights “with just the swipe of the finger”.

The payment option is available for purchases made using UK billed cards, for British Airways flights departing UK airports, although BA intends to roll it out to include customers departing other airports flying to the UK “over the coming months”.

SA drone operator issues warning as it flies across Africa

A Cape Town company, UAV Industries, has announced that it is the first drone operator in Africa to be licensed to train pilots and operate drones, receiving their Remote Operating Certificate from the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA).

According to a leading online platform on military reports, Defence Web, globally the drone business is proving to be one of the most volatile new growth industries in recent years, South Africa being a relatively late bloomer. With only a handful of training providers in the country and thousands of uncertified illegal pilots, the industry is in urgent need of upskilling and compliance.

Etihad is to upgrade its Abu Dhabi-Tokyo service from December 1, when it replaces the current A340 operating the route to a three-class B787 Dreamliner.

The aircraft features the carrier’s latest Economy Smart seats, Business Studios and First Suites, with a total of 235 seats (eight in first class, 28 in business and 199 in economy).

Kevin Knight, Etihad Aviation Group Chief Strategy and Planning Officer, said the upgrade to the B787 Dreamliner “reflected the importance of the Japan route and the airline’s commitment to the market”.

Etihad launched flights to Tokyo Narita in March 2010, initially as a five times-weekly service before being increased to daily in 2013.

Forex Concession: NCAA charges airlines to improve operations

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has advised Airline operators to operates with renewed vigour having secured a special sectoral Foreign Exchange (Forex) allocation in the Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).

Capt. Muhtar Usman, the Director-General of NCAA), gave the advise in a statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has approved a Special Secondary Market Intervention Retail Sales (SMIS) for airlines operating in the country to enable them to access foreign exchange.

Mr James Odaudu, Deputy Director, Press and Public Affairs, Ministry of Transportation, announced the plan in a statement in Abuja on Friday.

Odaudu explained that the intervention was a direct result of the interaction with CBN by the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, on behalf of the airlines.

Crew, dignitaries, and officials at the welcome of RwandAir’s Airbus in Lagos

With barely 14 years of flight history and a total of nine airplanes in its fleet, RwandAir is today a good example of how to nurture an airline to project national image abroad. WOLE OYEBADE writes.

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, last Sunday witnessed an unusual gathering on the airside that is never open to the public except on rare occasions. And it was on that day. Officials and dignitaries funneled through security profile beginning from 4p.m. to converge at one of the ports of entry. Colourful balloons and buffet set on the corridor tells of an imminent celebration.

Side view of the new terminal

*Wade into airport concession plan
*FAAN, Caterpillar partner to end power outage at Lagos airport

Members of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation have expressed concerns on the slow pace of work ongoing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport new terminal in Lagos.

During the inspection of projects at the airport, the lawmakers were worried that the project would still not be completed by December, for the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) concession agreement to begin.

In a related development, the committee has pledged to wade into the talks on concession of airports nationwide, to ensure it is in the best interest of all parties.

Turkish Airlines / AFP PHOTO / JACK GUEZ

Air Europa and Turkish Airlines have jointly announced the start of a code-sharing partnership effective as of 1st October, 2016 that enables both carriers to tap into new markets and offer their passengers more travel options.

At the initial stage of their cooperation Air Europa will place its marketing code on Istanbul-Madrid route operated by Turkish Airlines while Turkish Airlines will place its marketing code on Madrid – Las Palmas/Ibiza/Palma de Mallorca and Madrid – Havana/Santo Domingo/Lima flights operated by Air Europa.

There are several reports of Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 phones catching on fire Ariel Gonzalez Photo

An airline flight ban on Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 is spreading fast after reports some phones have caught fire.

Carriers in Australia, Asia and Europe put the phone on a prohibited list over the weekend, which comes after the US banned the device last week. Carriers flying to the US inevitably had to follow suit, but the bans are spreading worldwide.

Airtraffic communicators decry dearth of trained, licensed personnel in airports

Airtraffic communicators have decried the gross shortage of trained and licensed manpower to effectively handle operations in airports across the country.

The communicators, under the aegis of National Airtraffic Communicators Association of Nigeria (NACAN), said they are only 97 trained and licensed personnel nationwide, servicing the 24 functional airports.

AFP PHOTO / ROMEO GACAD

Emirates has revamped its corporate loyalty programme, Emirates Business Rewards, to provide greater value and added features for customers.

ICAO

For the first time, all 152 International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) member states voted for Nigeria to secure Council seat in the Part II category at the on-going 39th Assembly of the world aviation regulatory body.

Ethiopian airliner at Enugu airport recently

As Dunoma tasks staff on diligence
Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria has urged airline operators, service providers and the business community to take advantage of the new freight opportunities now available at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

As stakeholders harp on integrity in sector

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has defended the mandatory five per cent Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) it collects through the operators, saying it has no connection with the financial distress faced by some domestic airlines.

PHOTO: www.calitown.com

An airline, Air Peace, has approved hundreds of free tickets for passengers who flew two of its Abuja-Lagos aircraft at the weekend.

The free tickets to 196 passengers, the airline said, were to compensate them for the delayed take-off of their flights.

British Airways to scrap free meals

British Airways. PHOTO: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images

British Airways is scrapping free meals for short-haul economy fares from next year and inviting passengers to instead pay for Marks and Spencer sandwiches, creating a stir on social media.

The pair announced the tie-up on Thursday, which sees BA joining the no-frills airline model of charging passengers for food and drink.

Head of corporate clients, Ronke Ogunbufunmi (left); Robinson Chachana; Station Manager, RwandAir, Jimmy Mitali; Country Manager, Rwand Air, Ibiyemi Odusi; Tayo Babalakin; Partner, Consultants Collaborative Partnership, Prince Dapo Adelagan; President and Chairman, Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Enyi Omeruah, recently in Lagos

To deploy new Airbus 330 on Lagos-Dubai, Mumbai routes

Rwandan flag carrier, RwandAir, has attested to the strength of the Nigerian air travel market, declaring it as a major traffic zone for airlines in the African region.The airline said economic challenges notwithstanding, the market remains committed to the air travel sector.

Over 50 airlines grounded since independence

At least 50 airlines which operated in Nigeria from independence day on October 1, 1960 have gone into extinction, checks by the Daily Trust have shown.

While most of the airlines were owned by Nigerians, others were jointly owned with partners from countries in Africa and Europe. Few of the airlines lasted for more than one year in operation.

Lufthansa signs joint venture with Air China

German airline Lufthansa and Air China said on Tuesday they had signed a deal to jointly operate all the groups’ connections between Europe and China.

“The Chinese aviation market is one of the most important growth markets worldwide. We want to profit from this growth together,” Lufthansa chief executive Carsten Spohr said in a statement.

Stakeholders okay airport concession plan

Former Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Harold Demuren (left); Chairman Airline Operators, Nigeria, Capt. Nogie Meggison and Chairman Senate Committee on Privatisation, Sen. Ben Murray-Bruce, at a stakeholders conference on aviation in Lagos…yesterday
PHOTO: NAN

The Senate yesterday threw its weight behind the Federal Government’s plan to concession the 26 airports nationwide.The Senate, with operators and key stakeholders in the aviation sector, were unanimous that concessioning would ensure efficient running and profitability of the airports especially at a time government has no resources to revamp the critical infrastructure.

Airlines to post record $40 bn profit in 2016 – IATA

Tony Tyler

Global airlines are expected to post record profits of almost $40 billion this year, the head of industry body IATA said Thursday, but he warned the sector faced threats from terrorism, a sharp rise in oil prices and protectionism.

Alexandre de Juniac, who took the reins at the International Air Transport Association on September 1, also called on Southeast Asian nations to invest in infrastructure to cope with surging demand for air travel in the fast-growing region.

Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Meggison

Chairman of the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), Captain Nogie Meggison, in this interview with WOLE OYEBADE, calls for a review of policies and operating environment to revive the industry and the economy at large. Excerpts:

There is general apprehension about the aviation sector at this time. What are your fears as an operator?
First of all, I’m a pilot, an aviator, CEO of an airline, chairman of Nigerian Airlines Association and patron of the unemployed pilots’ union. When you see Nigerians out of jobs like today and standing on the roadside, it gives you cause for concern. Or when you sit in front of a television set or read in a newspaper to see any part of the economy going through hardship and at the brink of collapse, it will raise your antenna, as a Nigerian that wants things to work. Unfortunately, aviation is part of the country and Nigeria, as declared by the Minister of Finance; we are now officially in recession.

Hadi Sirika, Minister of State, Aviation

In solidarity with unions in the aviation sector, former workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have warned the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to be wary of concessioning that will not address germane issues relevant to the growth of the sector.

FAAN Pensioners, as the group is called, are worried that such exercises in the past “have not served the interest of the country as expected.”

Some travellers really don’t like being tens of thousands of feet up in the air in a fast-moving metal cylinder. But there’s now hope for nervous fliers thanks to a new app which aims at calming uneasy travelers by making them feel like they are sitting next to the pilot.

Sky Guru, released this week, will explain to passengers what is happening during their flight in real time and what they can expect by using professional aviation data.

Virgin Atlantic is making it even attractive to book a flight to London – by launching a special promotional fare for customers that want to visit family and friends to celebrate Nigerian 56 Independence anniversary.

This week, the British airline launched fares to London from $300, which is available for purchase from now till 26 October, 2016, for travel between 8 September and 10 December 2016.

ICAO, IATA, others revisit global airport security strategy

Scene of the recent terrorists’ attack at Ataturk international airport, Turkey.

• FAAN graduates 211 AVSEC, firefighting officers

Apparently worried by the growing security threat in airports across the world, international aviation bodies are closing ranks to re-examine and strengthen current security rules and procedure.

Bodies like the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Airports Council International (ACI) aim to address evolving aviation security risks with integrated solutions.

A cross section of aviation workers during a protest in Lagos

Petition FG over ‘illegal’ appointments

Workers in the aviation sector have urged the Federal Government to intervene in the crisis facing the sector.

Rising from a general meeting in Ilorin, Kwara State, the workers under the aegis of National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) said though the hard times were not peculiar to aviation sector, but the government must be proactive in repositioning the sector as a potential mainstay of the economy.

Mr Gbenga Olowo

A group, the Aviation Round Table (ART), has called on the Federal Government to resist any pressure to offer bailout to ailing domestic airlines.

President of the group, Mr Gbenga Olowo, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Olowo, who admitted that some of Nigeria’s airlines were currently facing challenging times, however, urged the government to pay serious attention to the aviation sector.

Sirika moves to pilot Nigerian aviation to new heights

Hadi Sirika

Last Tuesday, September 13, 2016, the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen Hadi Sirika, landed in Lagos from a trip and immediately moved to settle a trade dispute between Aero Contractors and its workers. When he got to the airline’s headquarters, the situation had even become worse as the workers were on a protest, over the shutdown of operations amidst unpaid salaries by its management.

The FAA last week decided it could not ignore the potential safety risks for owners of Samsung’s recently released Galaxy Note7 smartphones. Samsung has urged owners to return all of the 2.5 million Note7s in service because nearly three dozen of the devices have spontaneously burst into flame due to a problem with the phone’s lithium battery.

Arik Air Passenger Planning to Travel Internationally Travel Documents

Each Arik Air passenger planning to travel internationally is responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents and for complying with the laws of each country flown from, through or into which he or she desires to travel to.

International travel document requirements

Passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of intended travel. Please make sure that you are in possession of all required travel documents with the appropriate entry visas, including any vaccination certificates that may be required. Additionally, many countries require proof of return/onward travel and proof of sufficient funds to support you during your overseas stay.

Arik Air Checked Baggage Policy

You are responsible for your personal baggage when you fly, therefore we recommend all passengers of Arik Air read this section containing information on what you can and cannot take on board.

Free allowance				Excess calculation
Concept	Business Class	Economy Class	Infant	Rate	Factor
Weight	30 kg	20 kg	10 kg	NGN500	per additional kilogram

AS SEEN ON ARIK AIR WEBSITE

Arik Air resumes Normal operations from 11 am on Wednesday, 14 September, 2016

Arik Air, West and Central Africa’s largest airline, is pleased to announce that scheduled flights will resume from 11 am tomorrow, Wednesday September 14, 2016.

Members of the public and our esteemed customers are advised to discountenance the disparaging allegations, unsubstantiated and uninformed claims about the airline’s inability to meet its financial obligations to aviation fuel marketers and a purported withdrawal of insurance services to Arik Air by its insurers.

FAAN apologises, says construction work damaged power cables

Operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, were for several hours grounded on Monday due to outage.However, General Manager, Public Affairs, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),

Yakubu Dati, said yesterday that the frequent outages were due to the construction at the new international terminal next to the MMIA.

The outage threw the facility into darkness till 3:00 p.m. and airport officials had to plead with angry passengers until power was restored by 7: 00p.m.The Guardian learnt that the screening and immigration procedure of passengers, both inbound and outbound, had to be done manually and under intense heat in the terminal.

Nigeria’s largest airline, Arik Air Limited, has announced the suspension of its flight operations, blaming a delay in insurance documentation.

Arik’s Public Relations and Communications Manager, Olabanji Ola, said the airline will resume operations as soon as the problem is resolved.

Reports that Arik had cancelled flights on Tuesday morning and afternoon had fueled speculation that the airline might have become the latest casualty in the financial crisis plaguing Nigeria’s aviation sector.

But Mr. Ola said the delay in “approval of documentation” was caused by the Sallah public holiday which was followed a “long weekend”.

Visa Information: How to Apply for Kenya Visa in Nigeria

Kenya is home to a variety of stunning attractions, wildlife and sandy coastlines, that is why the country is fast becoming a popular destination of choice for many Nigerians. The country’s unparalleled beauty and charm has made it to be on most Nigerian’s bucket list.

Panoramic view on Nairobi , Kenya. Africa.

If you are planning to travel to Kenya for tourism, education, job opportunities, business or to reside in the country, and you are wondering how you would get your visa within a short time; well, there is a perfect way of making the visa application process very easy and that is why we are sharing our vast knowledge with you about how to apply for Kenya visa in Nigeria.

If you want to visit Kenya to see all the beautiful things the country offers, you’ll need to plan for your trip. And the first step is to get a Kenya visa because Nigerians require visa for entry into Kenya. You can either get a visa at the Kenyan embassy here in Nigeria or at the point of entry in Nairobi.

Please be well informed that your possession of Kenyan visa may not allow you into the country. The immigration officers at the port of entry can deny you entry if you do not meet the immigration requirements.

SOURCE: TRAVELSTART.com.ng

NANTA Declares State of Emergency in Aviation Sector

In order to save the air transport sector, which is described as a catalyst to economic development of any nation, the President of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr. Bankole Bernard has urged authorities to declare a state of emergency in the aviation industry.

Some retirees of the agencies under Federal Ministry of Aviation, have slammed a N10.2 billion fundamental rights enforcement suit on the agencies before the Federal High Court in Lagos over their alleged illegal and forceful eviction from their quarters.

The retirees are also seeking an order of perpetual injunction restraining the agencies from arresting, intimidating, harassing, humiliating, detaining, evicting or disturbing them in any manner whatsoever.

The applicants in the suit are: Oni Babatunde, MoshoodJimoh, TemitopeTubi, NwokeOgbonna, and BryankKaduru, and 35 others, who are former employees of Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Local carrier, FirstNation Airways, will return to business on September 15, an official said on Monday.

Rasheed Yusuf, FirstNation’s Head of Corporate Affairs, said the airline suspended operations last week to carry out routine maintenance on its fleet in line with safety standards and regulations.

Mr. Yusuf’s statement came a few days after the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority announced that FirstNation had been ordered to shut down operations indefinitely because one of its fleet was undergoing repairs.

“In these circumstances, these airlines clearly cannot continue to undertake schedule operations, hence the inevitable recourse to self-regulatory suspension,” the NCAA said in a statement signed by the Director-General, Mukhtar Usman. “It is against the Nigerian civil aviation regulations for airline operators to carry out scheduled commercial operations with only one aircraft.”

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Friday, September 16, 2016

International travel document requirements

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Wednesday, September 14, 2016

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