At Lagos motor fair, stakeholders urge government to address sector’s challenges

Ifeanyichukwu Agwu

Stakeholders in automobile sector have stressed the need for government to urgently address the bottlenecks faced by the sector, stating that this would help revamp industrialisation in the country.

This comes even as the stakeholders called for the review of the automotive policy.They made the submission at the opening ceremony of the 13th Lagos Motor fair, and seventh Autoparts Expo Africa, in Lagos, on Wednesday.

Ethiopian, Air Cote D’Ivoire codeshare on U.S. route

Air Cote d’Ivoire

Ethiopian Airlines (ET), and Air Côte d’Ivoire, the national flag carrier of Côte d’Ivoire, have entered into a codeshare agreement on the United States route. Under the new codeshare partnership, 

passengers originating from West African countries, especially from Lagos, Bamako, Cotonou, Accra and Lomé will board Air Côte d’Ivoire flights and enjoy fast and seamless connection to Newark on-board Ethiopian direct service to Newark via Abidjan. 

Funniest Photos Ever Taken at Airports

A lot can happen while your'e waiting for your flight. Long hours of waiting can sometimes create bizarre and funny situations. Whether it's the man covered with nothing but newspapres, trying to take a nap; or some bored students performing gymnastic routines on the rail - the waiting can be truly magical if you'll only open your eyes.

We gathered some pictures of situations you wouldn't want to miss - all taken at the airport. Have a look and a laugh!

NAMA moves to boost IGR

Capt. Fola Akinkuotu

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun moves to shore up its revenue base in order to effectively meet its core obligation of air navigation services.

Managing Director of the agency, Capt. Fola Akinkuotu, said the move was imperative to support her quest at upgrading navigational infrastructure, air traffic management services, building staff capacity as well as other personnel costs.

Universal School of Aviation emerges Africa’s Transport Institute of the Year

Universal School of Aviation (USA) has again won the award of best aviation school in the continent from the just concluded Order of Merit Quality Awards.The award, which held at the Nicon Luxury hotel, Abuja, during World Quality Summit on Thursday, April 12, 2018, had in attendance dignitaries from all over the world.

In his speech, the Director of Studies of Universal School of Aviation, Mr Onifade Adekunle Eedris, said the award is well appreciated and an indication that all our effort to bring world class aviation training to the people through our outstanding facilities and staffs did not go unnoticed.

Airbus completes test of A350-900, gets 854 orders

Leading aircraft manufacturing company, Airbus, has completed the maiden test of the ultra-long-range A350-900 XWB, which can reach a massive 20 hours of flight time before needing to refuel.

The plane took off its maiden test flight from the company’s headquarters in Toulouse, performed a short flight over France before landing again at its base.

Abuja airport second runway to gulp N63b, says minister

The Minister of State for Aviation, Hadi Sirika, has said construction of the second runway for the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport is projected to cost N63b, adding that although N10b was proposed for its construction in the 2017 budget, only a paltry N3b was released. 

Union to picket Kenya Airways over sack of 22 workers

Kenya Airways

Airline faults move, accuses NUATE of failing to attend meetings

Aviation workers’ union may picket Kenya Airways next week in protest against the sack of Nigerian workers at the Lagos office.The airlines, citing redundancy, recently sacked 22 out of its 26 Nigerian employees. The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) has kicked against the move and set to meet at a congress on Monday, where the decision on picketing will be taken.

National Assembly backs FG’s development roadmap, concession plan

National Assembly Complex Abuja.

The two chambers of the National Assembly have pledged to support the new aviation roadmap of the Federal Government, especially the plan to concession airports nationwide.

Youths honour Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines

Youths from the northern part of the country have honoured Ethiopian Airlines (ET) for its contribution to the development of air travel in Nigeria. Ethiopian Airlines flies into Kano and Kaduna in the north, while keeping a daily flight to Abuja.

Okowa directs demolition of illegal structures in Asaba Airport

Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta has directed the demolition of all privately-owned houses sited within the perimeter fencing of the Asaba International Airport.

The governor gave the directive on Tuesday while inspecting the ongoing resurfacing of the airport runway and other ancillary work to ensure the contractors delivered as promised in May.

Delta to reactivate airfield lighting at Asaba airport

Asaba Airport

Determined to fulfill its promise of resumption of flight operations at Asaba Airport in July, the Delta State government has given approval for the reactivation of the Airfield Ground Lighting Systems (AGLS).  

Russian Superjet100, MC-21 airplanes debut in Nigeria

Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ)100

Russian Export Centre (REC) on Wednesday showcased new Sukhoi Superjet (SSJ)100 and MC-21 aircraft to the Nigerian market, wooing airline operators to emerging opportunities.  

Trump lifts visa restrictions for Chadians – White House

 

U.S. President Donald J. Trump claps during the State of the Union address in the chamber of the U.S. House of Representatives. Photo: AFP

 

President Donald Trump has removed Chad from the requirement of enhanced immigrant vetting because the country has demonstrated i ist no longer a security threat to US interests, the White House said in a press release.

FAAN installs CCTV cameras at Lagos, Abuja airports’ airside

Airport, Lagos

Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the installation of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras at airports’ airsides.

Travelstart marks six years of operating in Nigeria

PHOTO: Travelstart

*Amid travel & tourism industry growth

Travelstart, Africa’s leading Online Travel Agency, is marking its sixth year of doing business in Nigeria. The Nigerian operations which started in 2012, quickly surpassed its other established markets such as Namibia and Kenya, highlighting the huge demand for a tech-based solution for travelers in Nigeria. Since launching, Travelstart has catered to more than half a million Nigerians and significantly grown its extensive affiliate network.

Arik, Flying Doctors, Dana, MMA2, others win awards

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

The air travel industry’s watchdog, Nigeria Aviation Awards (NIGAV), has bestowed 2017 awards on major stakeholders in recognition of their contributions to the development of the sector.Among the awardees are Arik Air, Dana Air, Flying Doctors, Murtala Muhammed Airport terminal II (MMA2), managed by Bi-courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL).

Nigerian airports yet to meet ICAO’s security standard

Airport, Lagos

Experts have expressed concern that none of the 26 airports nationwide has met minimum standard of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) bordering on enhanced security. 

Travel agencies seek national carrier to drive aviation, tourism growth

NANTA president, Bankole Bernard

• NANTA Act, new identity card scheme to get priority

Travel agencies in the country have reiterated the need for a national carrier to drive air travel and tourism growth in Nigeria. The group, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), at their 42nd annual general meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, said tourism business globally depends on travels, which is why airlines and national carriers are critical investments of both public and private sector.

Lagos, Abuja airports to get category 3A instrument landing system

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has disclosed plans to install Category 3A Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) at the Lagos and Abuja airports.

‘Why politicians should not interfere in aviation issues’

Mohammed Tukur

Worried by the growing loss of confidence in local airlines’ operations, an expert has urged politicians to stop interfering in aviation issues, but should allow regulators to do their job.

TICKET FOR SULIEMAN/MOHAMED ABV-LOS ON MEDVIEW

PHOTO:WIKIPEDIA

Etihad Airways and Swiss International Air Lines (SWISS) have launched a new codeshare partnership.

British Airways deploys biometric technology at four U.S. airports

British Airways. PHOTO: ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP/Getty Images<br />

British Airways is trialling biometric technology to speed up boarding and arrivals processes in Orlando, Los Angeles, Miami and New York.

Afreximbank commits $25b to promote intro-African trade in five years

President, AfreximBank, Dr. Benedict Oramah

The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) has said it will disburse about $25 billion dollars in support of intro-African trade during the five years ending in 2021 under an Intra-African trade strategy it launched in 2016 in anticipation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Virgin Atlantic New Economy Package

Recognising that one size does not fit all, from the 10^th April 2018, Virgin Atlantic will introduce three new ways to fly economy-‘ Economy Light’, ‘Economy Classic’ and’ Economy Delight’

Travel agencies chart path to aviation, tourism growth

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

Travel agencies in the country will next week converge at Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to chart path to the growth of aviation and tourism as a potential mainstay of the economy.

Bi-Courtney assures Arik of hitch-free operations at MMA2

Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two (MMA2), has assured the management of Arik Air of seamless passenger facilitation, as the airline begins its scheduled flight operations from the terminal to Port Harcourt International Airport on Saturday.

African airports’ managers rally behind open skies implementation

Chairperson, Planning Committee, 59th ACI-Africa Conference, Sadiku Rafindadi (left); President/Managing Director, FAAN, Saleh Dunoma; Co-chairperson, Planning Committee, Adenike Aboderin; and Director, Security Services, FAAN, Group Captain Usman Sadiq (rtd), at a press conference on the 59th ACI-Africa Board and Regional Committees meetings to be hosted by FAAN in Lagos. PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

•As Nigeria hosts 59th ACI-Africa conference
Association of airport managers in Africa are rallying behind the implementation of the open skies treaty, especially in lieu of the traffic boom the initiative will bring to signatory countries.

Keystone Bank partners NIPOST on rural banking services

Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, I-One-C, Kelechi Dozie(left); Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Keystone Bank Limited, Obeahon Ohiwerei, Barrister, Bisi Adegbuyi Postmaster General/Chief Executive Officer NIPOST, at the launch of Keyserv-NIPOST Agency Banking – A Financial Inclusion Partnership In Lagos.

 Keystone Bank has entered into partnership with the Nigeria Postal Service (NIPOST) and i-OneC through leveraging of data to improve its product offerings.

Arik Air Fan Out Its Wings to MMA2

 

Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading airline will from March 17, 2018, move all its Port Harcourt flights to Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2) Lagos.

From that date, all daily flights to Port Harcourt International will cease to operate from the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) and will depart and arrive at MMA2.

Qatar Airways woos passengers with special offers

QATAR Airways is celebrating more than 20 years of ‘Going Places Together’ with special offers for travelers across its more than 150 business and leisure destinations.

FAAN income on Passenger Service Charge hit N38bn in 2017, says MD

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

Mr Saleh Dunoma, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) on Monday said the authority generated N38 billion from Passenger Service Charges (PSC) in 2017.

Lawmaker lauds response to aviation sector’s near mishaps

Senator Gbenga Ashafa represents Lagos East

The lawmaker representing Lagos East in the upper chamber of the nation’s legislature, senator Gbenga Ashafa, has commended government’s swift response to the series of recent near mishaps in the aviation industry.

Faulty business models, policies shrink air travel market, survival of airlines

Murtala Airport Lagos

Beyond the prevailing harsh operating environment, the faulty business models airlines’ operators often adopt may be responsible for the perennial low market penetration and short lifespan of local carriers in the country, findings by The Guardian has shown.

Arik Air, presidential fleet sign pact on pilots’ training

Presidential air fleet.

Arik Air and Presidential Air Fleet (PAF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on capacity building for the line training of presidential pilots.

Airspace agency acquires communication equipment for Lagos, Kano

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Calibrate navigational aids nationwide
To improve quality of air traffic services in the country, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has acquired new communication equipment and set to deploy same to Lagos and Kano areas.

FAAN to measure customers’ satisfaction with feedbacks

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has put in place a feedback mechanism to help her measure customers’ satisfaction about services on offer at international airports across the country.

Why international status for Akanu Ibiam Airport is being delayed – FG

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

The Federal Government has said that for the Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu, to operate full international flights, certain security threats created by property owners must be removed and enhancement of infrastructure must be achieved.

Air Peace enhances regional connectivity with Freetown, Banjul, Dakar launch

Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Chris Iwarah (4th left), the Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of LAS, Aeroport International Blaise Diagne, Xavier Mary (5th left), Minister in the Embassy of Nigeria, Dakar, Lot Egopija (6th left), Air Peace Brand Ambassador, Kcee (right) and others cutting cake to mark the airline’s inaugural flight to Dakar

Gulfstream G500 jet debuts in Nigeria

 

The all-new Gulfstream G500 business jet has made its debut in Nigeria, with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s senior executives visiting the country recently.The launch gave current and potential customers an opportunity to experience firsthand the new aircraft’s cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort and superior craftsmanship. 

FAAN canvasses synergy to tackle security breach at airports

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), has called for synergy among security agencies across airports in the country to stop security breach at airports.

Information sharing, according to FAAN, is imperative to collectively tackle any security issue, adding that no security agency can work in isolation or handle security matters alone. 

RwandAir to launch Abuja, Bamako, Cape Town flights

RwandAir

National carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, RwandAir, has announced plans to launch flights from its hub in Kigali into Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital; Bamako, the Malian capital; Conakry, the capital of Guinea and Cape Town in South Africa.

Why Nigerian airlines are against SAATM – Air Peace MD

Managing Director of Air Peace airlines, Allen Onyema, gave the verdict yesterday, saying the current “harsh environment” fueled by bad policies, bureaucracy and multiple taxation have put the airlines more at dire straits with six unable to meet obligation.

Jonathan’s achievements in aviation unprecedented, Says Oduah

Stella Oduah

Former Aviation Minister, Senator Stella Oduah, has said that the achievement of the administration of former president Goodluck Jonathan in the aviation sector is unprecedented and unbeatable.

Dana Air signs interline pact with Asky to boost capacity

Dana Air

Dana Air yesterday signed an interline agreement with Asky airline to boost its capacity. The deed was part of activities planned to meet the full implementation of open-air treaty. 

RwandAir to launch Abuja, Bamako, Cape Town flights

RwandAir

National carrier of the Republic of Rwanda, RwandAir, has announced plans to launch flights from its hub in Kigali into Abuja, Nigeria’s political capital; Bamako, the Malian capital; Conakry, the capital of Guinea and Cape Town in South Africa.

Dana Air trains 27 pilots, decorates five in Lagos

PHOTO: Nigerian Flight Deck

Dana Air has decorated two captains and three first officers among 27 that were trained in 2017, as part of its effort to boost local capacity. 

The airline, at a brief ceremony held at the Murtala Muhammed Airport II (MMA2) in Lagos recently, decorated as Captain, Kalu Sylvester and Ibrahim Kazeem, while the trio of Ilesanmi Ayotunde, Afolabi Damilola and Lawal Wahab were decorated as First Officers. 

Dana Air signs interline pact with Asky to boost capacity

Dana Air

Dana Air yesterday signed an interline agreement with Asky airline to boost its capacity. The deed was part of activities planned to meet the full implementation of open-air treaty.

Air Peace launches Kano, Yola flights

Air Peace has announced plans to launch its Kano and Yola services on February 12 and 15 respectively.

The services, the airline said, will cover Lagos-Kano-Lagos; Kano-Abuja-Kano; Lagos-Yola-Lagos; and Abuja-Yola-Abuja.

mperatives of cooperation, strong carriers for open sky’

Mr Gbenga Olowo

Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), the think-tank group of the air travel sector in Nigeria, has called on regulators and operators in the industry to close ranks and evolve strong carriers to enable Nigeria benefit in the open sky dispensation.

FAAN evacuates abandoned planes, installs cameras at Lagos airport

Murtala Muhammed International Airport

Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has commenced the evacuation of abandoned aircraft at the air-side of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) in Lagos.