Made-in-China large passenger plane targets 2017 debut

People wave Chinese flags as an ARJ21-700, China’s first domestically produced regional jet, arrives at Shanghai Hongqiao Airport after making its first flight from Chengdu to Shanghai on June 28, 2016. PHOTO: AFP

China’s first homegrown big passenger plane will make its maiden voyage in the first half of this year, state media said Monday, as the country seeks to challenge foreign giants Airbus and Boeing.

Air Peace launches daily flight to Accra February 16

The maiden flight into Kotoka International Airport (KIA), Accra, Ghana takes off from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at 7 a.m. local time and makes a return to Lagos at 8 a.m. (GMT). Subsequently, the Abuja-Accra-Abuja sector will come on stream.

Delta Airlines, MMA2, SAHCOL win awards

Delta Airlines

Delta Airlines has been named Business Airline of the Year 2017 at the United Kingdom’s Business Travel Awards, beating the likes of EasyJet, Etihad Airways, Norwegian and Qatar Airways. 

Local content gains as Omni Helicopters Nigeria debuts

Omni Helicopters Nigeria

The plight of unemployed pilots in the country is set for an upswing as Omni Helicopters Nigeria launches into the offshore market with local content development plan.

 

Omni Helicopters Nigeria, which emerged from a strategic joint venture between Omni Helicopters International (OHI) and Omni Blu Aviation Limited, brings to the aviation sector technical expertise, access to aircraft and improved safety, leveraging on the available manpower.

Turkish Airlines, hotel deny maltreating stranded passengers

Stranded passengers at a Lagos airport

Turkish airlines and the management of Golden Tulip Hotel, Apapa, Lagos, has denied reports of maltreating some stranded passengers and subsequently ejected them from the hotel.

The airline said while it regretted the development caused by cancelled flights early January, the affected passengers were catered for as mandated by the rule.

Imo Air born, to be operated by Dana

The Imo State Government is set to launch Imo Air to be operated by Dana Airline, in a partnership deal.

Dana Airline Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, made this known in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday.

Emirates introduces blankets made from recycled plastic bottles

Emirates Airline. PHOTO: TWITTER

Emirates has introduced new sustainable blankets made from 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles. The soft and warm blankets are made using ecoTHREAD™ patented technology and is now available in Economy Class on all long-haul Emirates flights.

Ethiopian Airlines ShebaMiles launch platinum tier level

Ethiopian airlines

Ethiopian Airlines is set to introduce a platinum tier level in its frequent flyer loyalty programme, ShebaMiles.

The Platinum tier level offers extra benefits to frequent flyers that accrue 75, 000 status miles or 60 qualifying segments within one calendar year, January 1 to December 31, within the validity period of two years, in addition to the remaining months in the qualification year.

Think-tank flays NCAA, FAAN over failed Abuja runway

Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja

The dust raised by the Federal Government’s plan to close the Abuja Airport for runway repairs may just not settle yet, as more stakeholders blamed the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for negligence.

The think-tank of the industry, Aviation Round Table (ART), carpeted the NCAA for its failure at ensuring that FAAN religiously complied with the Runway Maintenance Programme for the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, which is an operational safety requirement.

RwandAir to open Harare, Mumbai routes in April

Country Manager of RwandAir, Ibiyemi Odusi

RwandAir, one of the fastest growing airlines in Africa, said it has concluded  arrangements to expand flight operations into Harare, Zimbabwe, and Mumbai, India, in April 2017.

Medview Airline to be listed on NSE on Jan. 31

Med-View Airline

Medview Airline, one of Nigeria’s fastest growing flag carriers, will be listed by introduction on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Jan. 31, a senior official said on Sunday in Lagos.

Medview’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mr Isiaq Na-Allah,said the listing would enable the airline to expand its route network and acquire more aircraft to boost its operations.

Ethiopian Airlines expands operations to China

Tewolde GebreMariam

Africa’s largest airline group, Ethiopian Airlines, has concluded plans to connect Chengdu, China, with three times weekly flights.

Chengdu is the capital of China’s Sichuan Province and is the seventh-largest city in China. Chengdu is the country’s western centre of logistics, commerce, science and technology, as well as a hub of transportation, manufacturing and communication. Chengdu is also a major hub for Air China, Ethiopian Airlines’ Star Alliance partner.

Domestic operations shrink amid growing flight delays

Operations of domestic airlines in the country have again dropped in figures as at least two in every three flights are now delayed nationwide.

A new report on flight operations and complaints released by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), showed that the total number of flights operated last November dropped to 3,903 flights, of which 2,911 were delayed and 63 cancelled.

FG extends deadline for airlines’ automated payment

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority

The Federal Government has extended the deadline given to airlines operating in the country to automate their remittance/payment systems to aviation agencies to Feb. 28 

 

Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the extension was at the instance of the operators.

NAMA boss seek support to enhance airspace safety

Newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu (left); receives handover note from outgoing Acting MD, Emma Anasi, at the agency’s headquarters in Lagos.

Newly appointed Managing Director of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, has solicited the support of staff as he aims at making the nation’s airspace safer than he met it.

Turkish Airlines disown crashed cargo plane

Turkish Airlines has disowned the cargo plane that crashed on Monday, killing at least 37 persons when it plunged into a village in Kyrgyzstan.

Contrary to reports, the airlines denied any involvement in the accident, as neither the aircraft nor the crew are members of Turkish Airlines.

Recall that a cargo flight with TC-MCL registration number, operated by ACT Airlines, departed from Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) to Bishkek Manas International Airport (FRU) when it had an accident near Bishkek.

FG extends deadline for airlines’ automated payment

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority

The Federal Government has extended the deadline given to airlines operating in the country to automate their remittance/payment systems to aviation agencies to Feb. 28

 Mr Sam Adurogboye, General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos that the extension was at the instance of the operators.

Airlines in Nigeria, South Africa, others record demand growth amid challenges

International Air Transport Association

Airlines in African countries have recorded an 8.2 per cent growth in passenger demand compared to the figures in November 2015.The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced global passenger traffic results for November 2016, showing the strongest demand growth in nine months.

The demand surge, underscores enormous the potential that abound in the air travel business and its ability to drive economies when optimised.

Minister of State okays improved facility at MMIA arrival hall

Minister of State for Budget and National Planning, Mrs Zainab Ahmed

Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, has expressed satisfaction with the state of the arrival hall of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos, commending Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for a job well done.

‘Why Abuja runway should be closed during repairs’

•NANTA, others insist on second runway project 

Hues and cries by airline operators notwithstanding, experts have thrown their weight behind the Federal Government’s decision to completely close the runway of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, during the six-week repair exercise.

Ojikutu advises FG over proposed closure of Abuja airport

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

An aviation expert, retired Capt. John Ojikutu, has suggested that the Federal Government should divert intercontinental flights to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos , when the Abuja International Airport runway is closed for repairs.

Aviation: More jobs to go as domestic airlines struggle into 2017

Nigeria’s domestic airlines are likely to post operating losses in the year ended December 31, 2016 as they struggle to source funds to remain in business. Daily Sun learnt that exorbitant cost of foreign exchange and aviation fuel took a heavy toll on their overhead during the year, severely eroding their profits and leaving them prostrate and in need of government bailout.

Arik Air passengers stranded in Kaduna Airport for 4 days

Several passengers, including children, have been stranded at Kaduna Airport since Tuesday, following the failure of Arik Airlines to airlift them as scheduled.

Some of the disappointed passengers made the complaint to the Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, at the airport during the on-the-spot assessment of the facilities on ground at the airport.

Mass sack looms as domestic airlines struggle into 2017

Nigeria's domestic airlines are likely to post operating losses in the year ended December 31, 2016 as they struggle to source funds to remain in business.

It was learnt that exorbitant cost of foreign exchange and aviation fuel took a heavy toll on their overhead during the year, severely eroding their profits and leaving them prostrate and in need of government bailout.

Government sources however hinted that some airline operators have already approached the Federal Government with facts showing that the industry is on the brink of a collapse amid low revenue owing to a reduction in passenger patronage on most routes outside the Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt airports.

Motorists at risk over scarcity of tyres, spare-parts, others

PHOTO: Google

• Naira-dollar disparity spikes prices by 200%
• Govt urged to intervene to avert increase in road crashes 

The high exchange rate and the plummeting economy are taking toll on motorists across Nigeria, as prices of vehicle spare parts, particularly tyres are soaring beyond control.

Indeed, indications have emerged that vehicle owners can no longer find replacement for necessary parts, while importers decry their inability to stock products.

Arik boosts capacity with new Airbus 340 plane

PHOTO: Arik Air

Arik Air has increased flight frequencies to key domestic destinations ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities.

The airline, which is though struggling with the current aviation fuel shortage to carry out scheduled flights as at when due, said the frequencies were imperative to cope with passenger demand traffic that are characteristic of the yuletide season.

Bristow records over 50% drop in operations

Manager Business Development at Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited, Mayowa Babatunde (left); Managing Director, Captain Akin Oni; Human Resource Manager, Tolu Olufunwa; and Senior Legal Director, Tolu Olubajo at the media engagement on Bristow’s operations in Nigeria

• Diversifies services, acquires new helicopters

Leading helicopter service provider in the oil and gas sector, Bristow Helicopters Nigeria Limited, has hinted on over 50 per cent drop in operations due to the current economic downturn.

The development, though not unique to Bristow, has, however, warranted some drastic measures including the release of some workers and withdrawal of some aircraft from the Nigerian market.

South African Airways pledges commitment to Nigerian market

South African Airway

Economic downturn in the country notwithstanding, South African Airways (SAA) has pledged its commitment to the Nigerian market, with a promise of improved services to customers.

In partial fulfillment of the pledge, the airline on Monday introduced its brand new A330-300 aircraft to the Lagos-Johannesburg route.

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NCAA notifies passengers on flight hitches during harmattan

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has alerted air travellers to brace up for some delays that may be experienced due to harmattan haze expected in most parts of the country.

The apex regulatory body pleaded for understanding of the travelling public, urging them not to be lawless should the situation arise and flights had to be delayed or cancelled.

Council summons Arik over alleged baggage delay, rights abuse

Following complaints of alleged ill-treatment by passengers of recent London-Lagos Arik Air flights, the Consumer Protection Council (CPC), has summoned the management of the airline to appear before it to provide facts relating to the allegations.

The summon, which was issued by the Council on Wednesday, called on the airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Michael Arumemi-Ikhide, the Chief Operating Officer, Conor Prendergast, and the Managing Director, Chris Ndulue, to appear before the Council on Monday, December 19, 2016.

Senate to award zero allocation to aviation in 2017 budget

The Minister of State for Aviation, Mr. Hadi Sirika

Summons minister over failed MMA2 concession agreement 
Senate House Committee on Privatisation has disclosed that the aviation sector will get zero allocation in the 2017 budget proposal that the president will present soon.

The committee, led by its chairman, Senator Ben Murray-Bruce, said that the plan to concession the airports and readiness of private investors to assume responsibility means that the Federal Government would no longer need to commit revenue to run the facilities.

Business | Aviation Delta Airlines forecasts growth, pledges commitment to market

Delta Airlines

Effects of economic recession notwithstanding, Delta Airlines has reinstated commitment to keep flying Lagos-Atlanta route.

The American Airlines said, despite attendant effects of the recession, the air travel market in Nigeria remains positive with high potential for growth.

Senate committee orders review of tolling system in major airports

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

Worried by the constraint to free access into the airports, the Senate House Committee on Aviation has ordered the review of toll collection system in airports around the country.

The committee directed the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), one of the aviation industry’s regulators, to ensure that the tolling system becomes flexible, to guarantee that vehicles conveying passengers are no longer delayed unnecessarily at the toll gates.

Aviation unions suspend industrial action against Caverton Helicopters

Caverton Helicopters

Aviation trade unions have suspended their industrial action against Caverton Helicopters over alleged anti-labour practices.

Mr Olayinka Abioye, General Secretary, the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), confirmed the development in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

Abioye said the unions had suspended the action following an invitation by the airline’s management to them to come for a meeting.

‘Cargo loses over poor awareness, infrastructure at airports’

Segun Musa, NAGAFF

In the light of new data identification number policy on goods entering Europe, Chairman of the National Association of Government Approved Freight Forwarders (NAGAFF), Dr. Segun Musa, in this interview with WOLE OYEBADE, explains why air cargo services in Nigeria are more at risk, among other sundry issues. Excerpts:

Minister lauds AFISNET on improved regional safety

Hadi Sirika

Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has commended the African and Indian Ocean

Satellite Communication Network (AFISNET) for significantly contributing to the enhancement of safety and efficiency of air navigation within and across the African and Indian Ocean (AFI) region.

Sirika, while declaring open the 24th meeting of the Western and Central Africa Satellite Network Management Committee (SNMC) in Abuja, noted with delight that the SNMC has commenced discussion on the feasibility of surveillance data sharing within the sub-region.

He said that the objective of Global Air Navigation Plan is to achieve a harmonised interoperable and seamless global air traffic management system that will facilitate cost effective, efficient and economic international civil aviation. Hence, the need to sustain, expand and improve technology and capacity of the AFISNET to accommodate navigational and surveillance data sharing.

Air New Zealand, Etihad, Singapore, others win awards

PHOTO:WIKIPEDIA

Air New Zealand has been crowned best airline in the world for the fourth consecutive year, with British Airways and Virgin Atlantic also rated in the top 10 in the global rankings.

‘NAHCO workers connived in narcotic export attempt’

PHOTO: CargotoNigeria

Company pledges cooperation in investigation

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has revealed how staffers of the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) allegedly conspired with suspected drug traffickers in a botched attempt to export 144kgs of ephedrine to Maputo, Mozambique.

Abuja, Lagos new terminals to take extra N5b

New terminal at the MMIA, Lagos

More stakeholders rally behind airport concession plan
Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has faulted the locations of the new terminals simultaneously under construction at two of the busiest airports in the country, describing them as wrongly sited.

Scarcity of aviation fuel: Dana Air assures passengers of on-time performance

Dana Air on Friday assured its passengers of its commitment to on-time performance, even as the scarcity of aviation fuel (JET-A1) worsens across the country.

The airline gave the assurance in a statement signed by its Communications Manager, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Arik targets 20m-passenger mark by next month

Deputy Managing Director, Arik Air, Captain Ado Sanusi (left); Managing Director, Chris Nduleu; 

and Chairman, Sir Joseph Arumemi at the 10th year anniversary of Arik Air in Lagos.

 PHOTO: SOLA OJEDOKUN

Plans fleet expansion for Asia, Middle East routes

Economic recession notwithstanding, Arik Air has hinted of growth in its operations and patronage, with 20 million-passenger mark already set for December 2016.

Reps okay Dana as official airline for SDGs summit

Obi Mbanuzuo

 

Dana Air has been named as the official airline of the House of Representatives 2016 Legislative Summit on Sustainable Development Goals, scheduled to hold on November 22 and 23, 2016 at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja. 

NAMA rallies stakeholders for takeoff of AIS

Director of Transport at the Nigerian Civil aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. A M Sidi (left); Director General,

 Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Dr. Anthony Anuforom; Acting Managing Director of the Nigerian

 Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Engr. Emma Anasi and Military Airport Commandant, Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Wing Cmdr Imoke Emeng Imoke, at the AIS Automation forum, NAMA headquarters, Lagos

Ahead of the takeoff of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) automation in 11 locations next month, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has solicited the co-operation of data originators and other stakeholders to ensure a smooth takeoff of the project and enhance its sustainability. 

RwandAir bags IATA certification on ground operations

RwandAir, the national flag carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, has bagged International Air Transport Association’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).

The certification follows an audit conducted on RwandAir Ground Operations in July this year by Wake QA, an IATA approved Audit Organisation. The audit was concluded with minimal findings and observations. ISAGO registry is valid for two years.

Special services Before You Fly With Arik

We are dedicated to looking after the special needs of all our guests. Find out all you need to know if you are travelling with infants, advice for disabled passengers and parents or guardians of minors travelling unaccompanied.

Infants

If you are traveling with an infant (aged 8 days to 23 months), you can include them on your seat booking by making an infant reservation. Infants less than 7 seven days old are not accepted on Arik Air flights. For safety and insurance requirements, infants must be accompanied by a passenger aged 16 years or above and booked in the ratio of one infant per adult. Extra seats can be purchased for infants, but only if seated in an approved infant car seat.

Health matters Before You travel With Arik

The health of our passengers is important to us. Here you’ll find important information concerning matters of physical wellness when travelling with Arik Air, including doctor’s consultations, travel convenience, illness and other advice.

Consult your doctor

Travel Document Before You Travel With Arik

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.

Arik Air celebrates 10 years of safe and secure travel

 

Arik Air, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier is rolling out the drums to celebrate 10 years providing safe and secure air travel to the Nigerian public and continually contributing towards the elevation of Nigeria’s global standing.

On October 30, 2006, Arik Air ushered in a new chapter in Nigerian aviation history by beginning commercial operations using new Bombardier CRJ-900 aircraft - the first new aircraft Nigeria had seen in over 20 years.