FG LAUNCHES NEW VISA POLICY

The Nigeria Federal Government has officially launched the Nigeria Visa Policy (NVP)2020.
The Visa Policy which is coming on the heels of the signing of the African Continental Free trade agreement a treaty seeking to establish a continent-wide market place with increased trade and freer movement among its major Economic powers, has as its objective in strengthening Nigeria’s Position as a key economy in Africa by attracting more foreign direct investment into the country’s economy which will, in turn, provide jobs.

Briefing StateHouse Correspondents after the launch at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa Abuja, Interior Minister Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said operation of the new Visa Policy is cardinal to the ease of doing business in Nigeria and will further enhance The Nations security architecture and open Nigeria to more foreign business.

He added that the new visa policy which is also part of the economic recovery and growth plan (2017-2020) will boost Tourism, Aviation, entertainment, commerce and other areas where Nigeria has a comparative advantage over other African Countries.

TANZANIA NEW VISA PROCCESSING

Air Peace to open Ibadan, Abuja, Kano, Owerri routes

As part of its no-city-left-behind initiative, Air Peace airlines has concluded plans to open the Ibadan route via direct flights connecting the city to Abuja, Kano and Owerri.

African cargo freight surges by 12.6 per cent amid global slump

 

Cargo freight by African carrier recorded a 12.6 surge in the month of October amid slight decline in the global air freight market. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) yesterday released data for global air freight markets showing that demand decreased by 3.5 percent in October 2019, compared to the same period in 2018. 

NCAA blames flight delays, cancellations on poor use of capacity

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has blamed the perennial flight delays and cancellations on poor use of capacity across the domestic routes. The apex regulatory body urged the carriers to always allow room for exigencies in aircraft deployment and daily operations to mitigate the worrisome trend.

FG okays multiple flights for foreign airlines during yuletide

The Federal Government has approved multiple flight operations for foreign carriers to facilitate movements during the festive peak period.

The move, The Guardian learned, was informed by difficulties in passenger and cargo air transport during the high-traffic yuletide season. Passengers, especially Nigerians coming home for Christmas and New Year, often travel with excess baggage that does overwhelm the airlines’ operating equipment.

NAPTIP reads riot act against trafficking

Julie Okah–Donli

The National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has read the riot acts against human trafficking at airports nationwide.

Global aviation goes tough on terrorism, unruly passengers

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika (left) and Secretary General of ICAO, Dr. Fang Liu, in Montreal, Canada recently 

•Nigeria ratifies protocols ahead of implementation in January 2020
Unruly passengers and terrorists alike are in for hard times as the international civil aviation community is set to activate new enforcement measures.

Airbus gets biggest deal of Dubai air show with $16 billion order

Adel Ali (L), CEO of Air Arabia, and Christian Scherer, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at Airbus, attend a press conference after the signing of an agreement during the Dubai Airshow on November 18, 2019. (Photo by KARIM SAHIB / AFP)

Local airline bids for N74.4 billion worth of aircraft

(Middle) Air Peace Chief of Finance and Administration, Ejiroghene Eghagha, while signing the new deal. Photo: TWITTER/FLYAIRPEACE

A fresh bid to acquire three Embraer jets will cost local airline the sum of N74.4 billion ($212.6 million), base on the manufacturer’s current price lists.

South African Airways cancels Lagos flights as strike begins

South African Airways (SAA) yesterday announced the cancellation of Lagos flight operations for this weekend as its workers begin indefinite strike today. The airline in a notice to travel agencies said the cancellation would affect nearly all its domestic, regional and international operations. 

Boeing to resume 737 Max deliveries in December

Grounded Boeing 737 Max planes. SOURCE: Google

Boeing has said it expects to resume deliveries of its grounded 737 Max planes as early as next month and that airline could be able to restart commercial service in January, sending shares of the manufacturer sharply higher.

NAMA upgrades communication at Enugu airport, installs VSAT, VHF systems

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), has disclosed plans to install Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) station, and Very High Frequency (VHF) radio systems at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
 
The Guardian learned that the installation, beginning this week, was part of the measures to end blind spots in the eastern corridor of the Nigerian airspace.

AMCON proposes Arik Air as new national carrier

• Seeks reform of aviation laws
The Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) yesterday proposed the adoption of Arik Air as the new national carrier.

NCAA downgrades Med-View’s operation, to withdraw licence

Medview Airline

• Management, workers panic over prolong the shutdown
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has disclosed plans to withdraw the operating certificate of Med-View Airline Plc by November, over the prolonged shutdown of commercial operations.

Med-View ‘shuts’ operations as planes go out of service

Staffers and shareholders of Med-View Airlines Plc may be in for more difficult times, as the airline has shut down flight operations.

The blackout, as observed Monday, was not unconnected with the airline’s only operating aircraft, B737-500, suddenly going out-of-service.

The development has, however, thrown some workers into panic mode as they groan over harsh realities due to an unpaid salary that varies between three months and one year.

The management of the airline told The Guardian that the “downtime” was temporary, as the technical issues were due to be resolved for operations to resume shortly.

Reps committee rallies behind Nigeria Air, flag carriers to deepen stake in AfCFTA

House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila

The House of Representative Committee on Aviation has rallied behind the proposed national carrier to deepen Nigeria’s stake in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) pact.

Air travel busiest day records 17m passengers, 115,500 flights

PHOTO: VON

Last Friday August 9 was adjudged the busiest single day of 2019 for flying around the world.

More than 17 million passengers were estimated to have taken to the skies on over 115,500 flights within a single 24-hour period.

Reps to probe collapse of Enugu Airport runway

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

The House of Representatives has disclosed plans to probe the collapse of the runway at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu that warrants its imminent closure for repairs. 

NCAA moves against fakery, to unveil licensed travel agencies

Airport. Photo credit: The Travel Magazine

• NANTA, KATA deepen regional cooperation
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed plans to publish a list of licensed travel agencies in the country as part of measures to check illegal agencies and fakery nationwide.