Aero to introduce flights to Sokoto

Aviation Nigeria

Aero will later this month commence flight from Lagos to Sokoto via Abuja. Flights are available from 28 January 2013 onwards, and will be operated on weekdays and Sundays. Schedule:

• ABV-SKO AJ251 08:00-09:15
• SKO-ABV AJ252 10:00-11:15

The airline has suspended its Lagos-Warri-Port Harcourt NAF Base-route again.

Source: Aviation in Nigeria

AERO wins Best West African Airline of the Year 2012.

Sky Watch Nigeria.

Aero, one of the widely recognized and used airline in West Africa has won the Best West African Airline of the Year 2012 Award at the West African Tourism and Hospitality Awards (WATHAWARDS) held on the 30th of November 2012, at Golden Tulip Hotel and Conference Centre, Lagos, Nigeria.

Aero’s win of the award confirms the airline’s decision to offer services in the Nigerian market to the highest international standards.

In the words of Adedayo Adesugba, the President of the Awards group, he said: “The West African Tourism and Hospitality award is formed to recognize organizations and individuals in the Tourism & Hospitality Industry, and as a platform for acknowledging and rewarding creativity among all the participants and operators within the West African region.

This event is the largest gathering of Hospitality practitioners within the region. It has over 5000 voters and evaluators involved in the processes with at least 500 operators at the Gala nights award ceremony.

“We recognize the role Aero has been playing in ensuring that the travelling needs in the ECOWAS region are constantly met.”

Commenting on the award, the Managing Director of Aero, Mr Obaro Solomon Ibru, said: “We are delighted to have won the West African Airline of the year award. We will, however, not relent in our efforts but we will continually look at new and exciting ways of meeting and even exceeding the flying expectations of Nigerians.”

Aero has grown to be one of the most reputable regional carriers in West Africa operating over 50 flights with a fleet of modern 737s and Bombardier Dash 8. The airline operates flights to major domestic destinations including Accra, Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Warri, Owerri, Uyo, Benin, Enugu and Kano, with plans to open more routes within Nigeria.

Aero also offers reliable helicopter service solutions which cover the oil and gas industry, ad-hoc spot charters, search and rescue, aerial photography and medical evacuations. We have the capacity, skills and experience to deliver personalized services to suit our customers’ operational needs.

Aero Managing Director resigns.

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The Managing Director of Aero, Captain Akin George has resigned, a statement by the airline's public relations consultant- SY&T Communications confirmed yesterday December 9, 2012.
Ealier during the week, there were unconfirmed reports that Captain George left as the managing director of Aero due to unresolved disagreements with the Board of the airline, but the public relations firm denied the report.

According to the airline:

"Following the commencement of a restructuring exercise initiated by the AMCON with the support of the board of Aero, the Managing Director of Aero, Capt. Akin George, has resigned. This is the beginning of a restructuring exercise that will make the airline slimmer and stronger, with the aim of making it more competitive.George has served Aero for 24 years in various capacities."

In a twist yesterday, the firm while confirming the earlier denied report said:

''This is the beginning of a restructuring exercise that will make the airline slimmer and stronger with the aim of making it more competitive.''

Chairman of the Board of Aero, Mr. Funsho Kupolokun was quoted by the statement as saying:

"The board accepts the resignation of Capt. George and appreciate the services he has rendered to this airline over the last two decades. We wish him the best in his future endeavour".

Mr. Obaro Ibru who until now was the Deputy Managing Director has been appointed by the board as the Acting Managing Director.

Aero owns N32 billion to the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).

Aero announces additional aircraft acquisition.

Sky Watch Nigeria

Aero Airlines today announced an increase in her fleet with an additional 2 Boeing 737-400. This addition, which takes Aero's Boeing aircraft size to 12 is part of the airline's expansion programme to double the fleet and add new destinations.

The new B737-400, 144-seater aircraft are each equipped with the latest navigation equipment with lower fuel burn and increased reliability making the aircraft more efficient, environmentally friendly and easier to maintain.

The addition of these aircraft to Aero’s growing fleet, according to the Managing Director of Aero, Capt. Akin George will further consolidate Aero’s leading position both in the domestic and regional market, making Aero one of the fastest growing airline in West Africa by aircraft usage.

“The arrival of these new Boeing 737 aircraft, will allow us to introduce new routes and put us in a better position to transport more passengers in this festive season, said Capt. George.

Aero Airlines adheres strictly to the maintenance schedule for aircraft as prescribed by the manufacturers and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority {NCAA}. We will not relent in our efforts to offer the most satisfying flying experience for passengers every time they fly with us.”

Aero has grown progressively with the introduction of new routes and aircraft to its fleet over the past few years thereby building its customers’ confidence in the airline’s ability to meet and exceed their travel needs and requirements.

SOURCE: Nigerian Aviation News.

Passenger's alarm abort's Aero's flight.

Sky Watch Nigeria

Aero Contractors Airline on Monday 29 October 2012 averted what may have resulted in another airplane accident, when an observant passenger on board alerted the airline’s officials to a fluid leakage. The Airline still among the few flying local Nigerian routes in a swift reaction responded through its consultant Simon Tumba who attributed the delay to a minor technical fault which he pointed out had been fixed as a safety precaution.

The Aero aircraft was scheduled to leave the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos at about 2:30 pm, when a passenger sitting at the window side close to the left wing of the craft spotted hydraulic leaking from one of the valves. The valve is described to convey gas to the ‘ailerons’ a part which connects the wings of the aircraft, to ensure its stability during take-off and landing.

The flight crew later reported to the passengers that the flight had to be delayed and the aircraft was taxied back to the hanger for minor repairs as safety precaution following reports of fuel leakage. After the passenger alerted the members of the airplane’s crew, all passengers were asked to evacuate the plane and all the passengers in the flight – AJ 171, scheduled for Margaret Ekpo International Airport Calabar, had to return to the airport’s departure lounge to await alternative arrangements by the airlines management. A passenger aboard the flight stated that all boarding formalities were completed and the aircraft door was shut and ready for take-off.

"The aircraft had actually been taxied through the run-way to the take-off point and back to the hanger and after about ten minutes, the pilot taxied it back to the hanger” a passenger on board stated.

Reports indicate that this is the second time in seven days Aero Contractors has had to disrupt its operations over what it termed ‘minor technical faults’.