FG yet to decide Nigeria Air’s partners, final bidders

Nigeria Air

Federal Government yesterday said technical partners for the new national carrier were yet undecided, as the bidding process, among others, were still ongoing.The disclosure was in response to a report that one of the bidders, Ethiopian Airlines (ET), was in the lead to win the bid.

Ethiopian Airlines moves to manage proposed Nigeria Air

Ethiopian airlines

Ethiopian Airlines (ET) has officially submitted a bid to partner Nigeria in setting up its national carrier.

NCAA probes security breach, runway invasion at Sokoto airport

 

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on Tuesady launched investigation into the recent security breach and invasion of restricted area at the Sultan Abubakar Sadiq III Airport, Sokoto.

Dana’s boss wins award

CEO, Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani

 

For contributing positively to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, has been honored by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) at an event in Lagos recently.

Nigeria Air and the downsides of state-owned enterprises

The Federal Government via the Minister of Aviation announced the official name and branding for what is to be a new airline last week. Tagged Nigeria Air, the minister said the airline will be the new flag carrier for Nigeria with plans to start operations by December of this year and operate 30 aircrafts within the next three to four years.
The announcement was received back home with a lot of polarization, with people either strongly in favour or strongly against the venture.

Nigeria’s Aviation minister Hadi Sirika speaks folloing a press conference at the Farnborough Airshow, south west of London, on July 18, 2018. The Nigerian government launched plans on Wednesday to create new flag carrier airline Nigeria Air by the end of this year. “I am pleased to tell you that we are finally on track to launching a new national flag carrier for our country: Nigeria Air,” Sirika announced.<br />Adrian DENNIS / AFP

I am in the ‘strongly against’ camp, mostly because in most instances state-owned enterprises tend to be damaging, not just to government finances, but to sectoral growth as well.

Passenger traffic continues strong growth in May

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has announced global passenger traffic results for May, showing that demand (measured in revenue passenger kilometers, or RPKs) rose 6.1 per cent compared to the same month in 2017.

Lekki Conservation Centre Tour

Description

Exploring Lekki Conservation Centre with us is easy on this tour from Lagos. We will pick you up from your hotel or from a agreed location and we take you straight to the Lekki Conservation Centre, where you will spot animals like birds and monkeys and ther rest in the wild as you walk across the longest canopy walk in Africa. Thoughtful inclusions like light refreshments round out the experience.

UAE Announces New Rule For Tourist Visas

Tourists traveling to the UAE during the summer won't need to pay visas fees for dependents aged and below, the UAE cabinet annunced on Sunday.

The fee exemption will be applicable between July 15th and September 15 every year and is expected to boost tourist numbers during the off peakseason.

The decision follows the exemption of trnasit tourists from visa fees for the first 48 hours. 

Travel agents in the UAE have welcomed the move, saying it would help boost tourism during the summer.

Child Born in the UK Can Apply for British Citizenship | UKVI || UKBA || UK IMMIGRATION | 2018 HD

FG woos investors at national carrier’s London unveiling

The Federal Government (FG) will next week unveil the new national carrier at the Farnborough International Public Airshow in London, as part of measures to attract more investors to the new airline. 

A complete list of banned items on an airplane

 

Handbag/checked: The following items are completely banned from aircraft, and should not be brought to the airport:

These include you handbag, carry-on bag and your checked bag.

Explosive and Incendiary Materials: Gunpowder (including black powder and percussion caps), dynamite, blasting caps, fireworks, flares, plastic explosives, grenades, replicas of incendiary devices, and replicas of plastic explosives.

AMCON to sell its shares in Aero Contractors

Aero

Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) has confirmed plans to sell its shares in Aero Contractors airlines.

Chief Executive Officer of the airlines, Captain Ado Sanusi, disclosed this, adding that investors have started to indicate interest in the airlines.

KLM upgrades economy class service

Royal Dutch Airlines, KLM, has announced plans to upgrade its Economy Class service aboard intercontinental flights.

In the new schedule, at the start of an intercontinental flight, Economy Class passengers will receive a bottle of water, a refreshing towel and earphones, which means they can immediately get set for their journey. After this welcome service, passengers will be offered an extended choice of meals on flights out of Amsterdam.

Air Peace decorates first female captain

Sinmisola Ajibola, a pilot, has become the first female captain to be decorated by Air Peace airlines.

Sinmisola, who joined Air Peace in February 2017 as a Senior First Officer (SFO), made history as the airline’s first female captain. She is from a family of pilots – father and four brothers, three of whom are with Air Peace.

Camair-Co returns to Lagos-Doula route

Cameroon Airlines Corporation (Camair-Co) has made a return to Doula-Lagos route after years of absence.

The Consul General of Cameroon in Lagos, Dr. Ekorong A. Dong, at the welcome ceremony held at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, expressed delight to see the airline back to the economic route of Douala-Lagos, describing it “a new benchmark, a new landmark between Nigeria and Cameroon.”

Airlines retain ticket rates amid end to 5% VAT

 

Air travellers expecting marginal review of fares following the recent removal of mandatory five per cent Value Added Tax (VAT) on transportation may have to wait longer.

Airlines operators, who though lauded the gesture, saw the development as more of compensation to the airlines that are over burdened by multiple charges, than gains to the passengers that have “usually been flying low-cost”.

Appointment System in Place at the VFS

There is currently an appointment system in place at the VFS (South African Visa Section) Lagos.

Applicants wishing to travel for business, tourism, attending a conference or religious purposes, can request an appointment by sending an email to apptlagossa@vfshelpline.com with the following details and a copy of their passport data page;

Aviation records growth with 14.1m passenger traffic

Muritala Muhammud International Airport, Lagos.PHOTO: AYODELE ADENIRAN

Stakeholders to brainstorm at airport business summit, expo
Initial conflicting figures notwithstanding, the harmonised data of the aviation industry has shown a positive outlook for air travel business, with marginal growth across the board in 2017.

Travel agencies unveil ID card to check fakery, fraud

NANTA president, Bankole Bernard

Travel agencies in the country are set to launch a new Identification (ID) card as part of efforts to check fakery and fraud in the industry.The Nigeria Travel Practitioners Identification Card (NTPIC), to be unveiled on Tuesday, June 26, 2018, in Lagos, is a joint effort of the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), the umbrella body for all travel agencies in Nigeria, and the Nigerian civil aviation authority (NCAA).

Jet fuel microbial study gets foreign recognition, partnership

• CITA presents findings to IATA, global audience
A pioneering local study on microbial contamination of aviation fuel and its handling system in tropical Africa has gained the buy-in of the international aviation community, with foreign firms set to support further studies.

IATA enlists Dana Air on IGOM registry

Dana Air

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has enlisted Dana Air on the International Ground Operations Manual (IGOM) registry in recognition of the airline’s commitment to quality service delivery. 

NCAA to review two planes’ requirement for commercial airlines

Capt. Muhtar Usman

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is to review the provision of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARS) 2015 that prescribes at least two serviceable aircraft as condition for granting of Air Operating Certificates (AOCs) to commercial airlines.

Airbus to break up unwanted A380 superjumbo jets

Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has revealed plans to break up the A380 superjumbo jets after failed bids to attract buyers.

The development, a fresh blow to Airbus business, is coming just a decade after two of the industry’s largest jets debuted. 

Philippine Airlines’ new Airbus A350 takes first flight

The first of six Airbus A350-900 aircraft set to be delivered to Philippine Airlines has taken its maiden flight from Airbus’s industrial facility in Toulouse, France.

Emirates considers hand baggage only fares

Dubai-based Emirates is seriously considering offering passengers cheaper hand baggage only (HBO) fares.

Record number of guns seized at US airport this year

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport has seen 108 passengers attempting to carry firearms – mostly loaded, and many with chambered rounds – through security checkpoints in 2018. 

Airbus to break up unwanted A380 superjumbo jets

Airbus

 

 Aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, has revealed plans to break up the A380 superjumbo jets after failed bids to attract buyers.

IATA cautions Nigeria, others over airport privatisation, concession

IATA’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Alexandre de Juniac

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday cautioned Nigeria and other countries on the verge of either privatising or concessioning airport infrastructure to be wary of models that prioritise financial gains. 

Keystone Bank Pleased With Empowerment Programme At Okpekpe

Keystone Bank, one of the fastest growing full service commercial banks in Nigeria, has expressed satisfaction with the women empowerment programme it undertook at the first ever IAAF silver label road race in West Africa,the Okpekpe international 10km road race which came to a historic climax penultimate Saturday in Okpekpe near Auchi in Edo State.

Dana introduces ‘cash back’ reward

PHOTO: Nigerian Flight Deck

Dana Air has introduced another customer-centric initiative, designed as reward for its loyal customers. The new ‘cash back’ initiative requires the airline’s guests to get a “Thank U” card at its 

‘Airport self check-in kiosks dirtier than toilet seats’

Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos

Self-service check-in screens at airports have over 1,000 times more bacteria on them than toilet seats, a new study has revealed.

NAMA explains setback in AIS automation plan

Capt. Fola Akinkuotu

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has blamed the delay in the automation of Aeronautical Information Service (AIS), on limited resources, amid other critical needs begging for attention.

Etihad opens free stopovers for economy passengers

PHOTO:WIKIPEDIA

Etihad Airways is offering one night’s free accommodation in Abu Dhabi to all guests travelling in Economy Class from destinations in the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, and stopping over in the nation’s capital. 

Aviation union backs NCAA’s suspension of FirstNation Airways’ licence

The National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE) on Monday said that it supported the indefinite suspension placed on the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of FirstNation Airways.

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.