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.