Nigerian Air Force names casualties of Niamey jet crash

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian Air Force has named Sqn. Ldr. Benjamin Ado and Flying Officer Ayuba Layelmenson as the two pilots who died in the aircraft in Niamey.

Both men were part of the Air Force contingent in the African-led International Support Mission in Mali stationed in Niamey, Niger Republic.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Commodore Yusuf Anas, the Director, Air Force Information and Public Relations.

Ado who hails from Konshisha Local Government Area in Benue state, was a member of the 50th Regular Course of the Nigerian Defence Academy and an instructor pilot who had flown many aircraft types in the inventory of NAF, as well as Pakistan and the United States of America. He was married with one child.

The statement also noted that Layelmenson hailed from Azare in Shongom Local Government Area of Gombe State and was a member of the 57th Regular Course in the Defence Academy.

He graduated from Hellenic Air Force Academy in July 2011 and was commissioned into the Air Force as a pilot officer.

Until his death, he was a qualified squadron pilot in the Alpha Jet before the unfortunate incident and was survived by his parents.

The release also stated that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Alex Badeh, had paid a condolence visit to the families of the deceased officers in Kaduna and Kanji.

According to the statement, Badeh said: “I have come on behalf of the entire Air Force and a grateful nation to condole you on the tragic loss of your loved ones. May their souls rest in perfect peace.’’

Badeh also used the visit to interact with officers of the 99 Air Combat Training Group and urged them to remain steadfast in their duties.

NCAP: Beyond comfort, rethinking safety of private aircraft owners

Aviation Nigeria

by Tahir Sherriff

Private jets are fast and wonderfully convenient. They can access hundreds of airports throughout the world, making it possible to go places you just can’t get into on large commercial aircraft. But there is also the downside.

Many were held spell bound at the awful fate which befell former Governor of Taraba state Dan Baba Suntai. Some refer to it as an act of fate, a plan by enemies or a will of God. For others however, like professionals in the aviation industry, it is a simple case of airline safety regulation violation.

There have been a string of irregularities by airline operators as well as agencies offering aviation services. The irregularities could be trivial, such as pilgrims complaining of having their seats sold out. Or in some cases complex, like controversies on whether the responsibility for the Helicopter crash which led to the death of Governor Yakowa of Kaduna state should have been allotted to the Ministry of Aviation as against the Nigerian Navy.

In a bid to ensure coordinated safe and secure airline operations in Nigeria, the Federal Government issued the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2013. A policy which the the Federal Government maintains is designed to provide a platform for the way forward and future prospects of the aviation industry.

The policy however has caused media up-roar, especially when representatives of private jet owners like Globalcom giant Mike Adenuga, Global fleets Jimoh Ibrahim, as well as business tycoons Aliko Dangote and Harry Akande have began to scrutinize for loopholes and clauses within the policy which may result in a conflict of interests.

A key area which has requested clarification in the recent policy is a series of clauses that have been interpreted as a move by the Federal Government to ban private Jet owners from carrying friends and relatives, with requests on clarification to which a response by the Federal Government is still being anticipated.

However it must be noted that the National Civil Aviation Policy, 2013 deals with issues beyond the interests of private jet owners. Issues relating to aviation financing, aviation training and development, safety regulations, as well as liabilities arising from crashes and related occurrences were key concepts tackled in the preparation of the policy. A majority of these adjustments have become necessary in the wake of new developments in the aviation sector.

Such policies are also not new, and in most cases are not for the short-run comfort of a few but for the safety of the majority in the long run. Notable in the US are policies requiring fingerprint-based background checks on pilots, as well checking passenger names against a government watch list and restricting what items may be carried onto the airplane.

Aviation regulations are key to the proper functioning of the industry. They help agencies required to not only run more efficiently and effectively, but also cut down unnecessary risk that may lead to loss of lives. They help to solve complex issues like working out legal knots in lease agreements as well as requesting simple information such as: Where the plane is flying, air traffic control, the type of plane, the age of the plane, the experience and training of the pilots and crew, weather conditions, plane and equipment maintenance as well as company procedures and policies.

Dan Baba Suntai was a Private Jet Owner. Like many private jet owners in Nigeria, he was not operating under prescribed regulations. He was fatigued, the weather was hazardous  the flight was un-scheduled and the timing was bad. There was a breach of several regulations resulting to complications for not just the people who were in the aircraft on that fateful jet that day, but also Taraba state and Nigeria in general.

The National Civil Aviation Policy, 2013 may require further clarification by the government as well as aviation professionals who participated in its drafting, in ways that will be clearer to stakeholders. However it must remain clear that the aim of the policy lies beyond the comfort of private jet owners.

Aviation firm takes DPR to EFCC over unpaid helicopters

Aviation Nigeria

An aviation services firm, Obike Systems Consults Limited, has petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), as well as the National Assembly Committee on Upstream sector of the oil and gas industry to investigate the refusal of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to release funds to contractors engaged to wet lease three helicopters for the offshore monitoring of oil terminals.

The firm said since 2010 when it secured approval for the contract to supply three helicopters for the offshore monitoring of oil terminals to be managed by the the DPR, it was yet to be paid for the job it had carried out, despite budgetary release of funds to the DPR.

Addressing reporters in Lagos at the weekend, the chief executive officer of Obike System Consults Limited, Navy Captain Jerry Ogbona (retd), said he had to petition relevant anti-graft agencies and the National Assembly to draw attention to the act of the DPR.

Ogbonna said since 2010, when over N2.17 billion had been allegedly budgeted for the three helicopters, the DPR was yet to release substantial amount to several contractors handling several segments of the project.


He explained that for the past three years officials of the DPR have been frustrating efforts to release money for the firm to complete the job of bringing in three helicopters, for which he secured a bank guarantee as advance payment for the lease.

He said :" In 2012, we got two helicopters from a Tunisian firm to facilitate the project. It was an eleven seater helicopter to enable us move material and men offshore for the job, yet the DPR will not pay us.

The important thing here is that in 2010 government budgeted N1.19bn for this project, in 2011 government budgeted N489m and in 2012 government budgeted N300m.

The  important thing is that government has been making all these monies available all these years, a total of N2.17bn has been budgeted for this project and has been made available through the ministry of finance but the DPR had always said that the money has been mopped up.

Two dead as Nigerian fighter jet crashes in Niger

Aviation Nigeria

A Nigerian fighter jet with two crew members on board crashed in Niamey, the capital of Niger on Monday 5 may 2013.

The jet crashed near Dargol in the Tillabery region which borders Mali.

Reports indicate the crew were taking part in military operations against al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants, in Mali.

Confirming the incident, spokesman for the Nigerian Air Force, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas told newsmen that the plane was an Alpha jet stationed in Niger as part of a Nigerian squadron supporting the mission in Mali.

“An investigation is going on to find out what happened. They were on a normal routine flight about 60 km (37 miles) west of Niamey when something happened.” Anas said

Nigerian troops are part of the largest contingent in a West African regional force participating in the French-led campaign to drive Islamist rebels from the country’s desert north.

The cause of the crash is still unknown.

Automated Security at Abuja Airport to increase toll charges

Aviation Nigeria

Director of Commercial and Business Development of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Dr. Adeniyi Balogun has said the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport Abuja will witness a slight rise in toll charges.

Commuters will notice a sharp rise in charges which follow the installation of electronic tracking device at the main entrance of the airport aimed at boosting security.

Balogun, said the device would track all incoming and outgoing vehicles at both the local and international terminals of the airport.

He said, “With the recent and new security challenges we are facing in the country, it is pertinent for us to put in place this equipment that will track all vehicles plying this route. This is to ensure the security of lives and property of Nigerians having one form of business or the other to do at the airport.

He pointed out that the former rate was fixed in 2001, stressing that the increase in toll was necessary, adding that the automated gate is to generate another N50m cash-flow flow for  the organisation on a monthly basis.

The digital gates, which would be managed by FAAN, in partnership with First Bank Nigeria Plc and another private firm, would ensure efficiency and accountability at the airport.

The director has called on all users to comply with the new directive, stressing that it was geared towards ensuring safety and security at the airport.

Aviation Policy aims to build a stronger sector –Minister

Aviation Nigeria

The Minister of Aviation Stella Oduah has said the main thrust of the 2013 New Civil Aviation Policy, NCAP is to develop strategic plans to build a stronger, dynamic and liberalized aviation sector that will meet present and future challenges in the sector.

The Aviation minister disclosed this at the Public Presentation Friday of the 2013 NCAP, she said “the goal of government is to put in place an Aviation sector that delivers socio-economic benefits to Nigerians”.

She recalled that “in November 2012 the Ministry of Aviation in line with the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan inaugurated a technical review committee to develop a sustainable policy framework for the Nigerian Aviation Sector”.

The technical was composed of experts from both private and public sectors of the Aviation industry.

Princess Oduah mentioned that the review exercise became necessary as the NCAP was last reviewed in 2001 and the global and local aviation industry has experienced safety and security challenges as well as technological developments.

The policy review exercise revealed that the Nigerian Aviation industry needed to be restructured to enable it drive economic growth for the country as well as remain globally competitive.   These objectives, the minister noted will be effectively achieved through greater participation of the private sector in the Nigerian Aviation industry.

“The Federal ministry of Aviation is therefore repositioning the industry to be largely driven by the private sector” said the Minister.  She added that the policy review exercise clearly showed that the government’s vision for dynamic, self-sustaining air transport system is achievable.

Princess Oduah said she was pleased to present the reviewed NCAP and urged all stakeholders to join in its implementation emphasizing that “the Federal government of Nigeria is conscious of the fact that sustainable implementation of this policy is would require the collective participation of all stakeholders in the Nigerian Aviation sector”.

NAMA soon to commence area radar control

Aviation Nigeria

The National Airspace Management Agency NAMA has announced it would commence full area radar control by the end of this month. The agency has also promised a hitch free air traffic operation.

Disclosing this in Lagos at the weekend, the managing director of the agency,Engr. Mazi  Nnamdi  Udoh said 22 air traffic controllers  drawn from Lagos and Kano area control centres  have been specially trained on en-route  area radar control for a seamless air traffic service within the nation’s airspace.

He however added that the selected controllers alongside some communication engineers ,completed their simulator training at the Lagos radar site on Friday to round up their schedule of trainings before embarking  on the area radar control.

“The agency had since Thursday ,May 2,2013 issued Aeronautical Information Circular(AIC) to all airlines in line with  the mandatory 28 days notice required by industry regulation  for a full trial of the new air traffic operation”.

“The agency had equally upgraded the radar maps and harmonized its data base to allow for accurate co-ordination of traffic when the en-route area radar control is fully deployed” he added.

Engr. Udoh said that the operational manual in respect of the area radar control has been submitted to the regulatory agency,NCAA  for necessary approval,adding that NAMA  has followed industry best acceptable  practices before deploying this service to airlines.

He lauded the controllers for their interest and commitment to commence en- route radar control within the nation’s airspace.

Aviation unions, professionals agree on national carrier

Aviation Nigeria

Rising from its congress meeting in Lagos, the Congress of Aviation Unions and Professional Associations (CAUPA) supported the idea of re-establishing a national carrier for Nigeria.

CAUPA is a congress of over twenty professional associations and the three operating unions in the aviation sector.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, they said, “that the federal government should as a matter of urgency, through the Federal Ministry Aviation, pursue the policy of re-establishing a national carrier for the benefit of government and Nigerians in general.”

They indicated that, establishing a national carrier “would lead to the re-establishment of standard operating procedures and safety consciousness in the aviation industry.

“This would also lead to the much talked about job creation for our teeming youths and redundant professionals in the industry. The drainage the sector has become on the economy would eventually be fixed and the pride of Nigerians all over the world would also be restored.”

It said CAUPA is in full support of this project but cautions that the “idea of purchasing and distributing aircraft to failed and ailing airlines should be completely disregarded in the interest of safety, unity, integrity, good governance, prudence and transparency.

“Why must we encourage and entrust poor private managers with public properties and funds?”

CAUPA insists that the coming of the National Carrier must be preceded by the settlement of all labour and pensions issues arising from the unconstitutional liquidation of the former National Carrier, Nigeria Airways.

The Association said Nigeria has lost over thirty airlines within a space of thirty years due to poor management, “this needs to be investigated and solutions sought to remedy this malady.”

They called on the NCAA to scrutinize prospective operators and continue to monitor the operations of airlines in the country, to ensure their survival and avoid the pitfalls that encourage airline failures.

Source: Daily Trust

Boeing plans to build world's longest-range passenger jet

Aviation Nigeria

Boeing has shown airlines a blueprint for the world's longest-range passenger jet, adding spice to a long-awaited revamp of its 777 wide-body jet, people familiar with the matter said.

Boeing on Wednesday launched a race against Airbus for sales of the newest long-haul jets by announcing it had begun selling an upgraded aircraft family code-named 777X. First seen in the 1990s, the 777 cornered the market for large twin-engine aircraft able to fly routes previously only possible with four engines, earning it the nickname "mini-jumbo."

Analysts say the 777 is Boeing's most profitable plane, thanks largely to the 777-300ER, a 365-seat version that began operations in 2004.

Most of the industry's attention is now focused on a future 400-seat version known as the 777-9X, which is Boeing Co's response to a growing challenge from the largest version of Europe's newest aircraft, the Airbus A350-1000.

But talks between Boeing and potential buyers have also generated interest in a 777-8X that would be a successor to the 777-200LR, the industry's current distance champion, with a range of more than 9,300 nautical miles, people briefed on the talks said.

The 777-8X, boasting a range of 9,500 nautical miles, would be designed for some of the world's longest trips such as from the Middle East to South America.

"They are offering an ultra-long range aircraft in the 777-8X," said an industry source briefed on the plans. "It'll be the longest range aircraft in the business."

Boeing declined to comment on specifics, but spokeswoman Karen Crabtree said the company is working with customers to fine tune the details. Experts say ultra-long range planes deliver mixed benefits to airlines and so far the market for them remains a niche, overshadowed by the juggernauts designed for trunk routes.

That is because when modern aircraft fly the longest 15-hour flights, the first few hours are spent mostly burning the fuel needed to carry even more fuel for the rest of the flight.

These aircraft "carry more fuel to carry more fuel," said consultant Richard Aboulafia of Virginia-based Teal Group.

"They need a very big wing with lots of (fuel storage) capacity, which means lots of structure and weight."

Fuel is not the only source of extra weight. The long journey times also mean loading extra meals and a reserve crew, so that the fuel burned per hour - a measure of efficiency - can end up greater than if the plane simply stopped en route.

Airlines must balance this against any extra revenue they can charge for a direct flight and the ability to eliminate the fuel wasted in climbing and descending twice, as well as en-route landing fees and other costs linked to a stopover.

Source: Reuters

NAMA clarifies delay of Gov. Amechi's aircraft in Akure

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) have maintained that Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers' aircraft was delayed at the Akure Airport because its pilot refused to submit the passengers' manifest. 

The Managing Director of the agency, Mr Nnamdi Udoh, said this at a news conference  which was also attended by Mr  Benedict  Adeyinka, the Director of Airworthiness  and Standards, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Udoh said that submission of documents, including the manifest stating those on board the aircraft, was part of the mandatory requirements and regulations any pilot  had to comply with before taking off from any of the nation's airports.

``We need to stress that we operate by rules and regulations in the aviation industry. Aviation is not politics and we don't play politics in the industry,'' Udoh said.

Udoh appealed to pilots and operators to comply with the operating rules at all the airports in the country.

He recalled that the aircraft, which flew the governor to Akure, had registration mark 5N565 RS -Global Express.

The NAMA boss said that the Akure Airport made daylight operations, which ended by 6.00 p.m. after which no aircraft was allowed to land or take off, except with permission from higher authorities.

He said the pilot, who flew Amaechi, called for clearance from 6.35 p.m., which was some minutes after the close of daylight operations.

``The pilot called for Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) clearance at 6.35 p.m., got clearance  same time, started taxiing by 6.45p.m. and departed by 6.51p.m. ,''  he said.

Udoh said the delay in the flight being cleared to take off at that time was subject to the approval of the authorities concerned .

``By regulations, the airport manager has no power on his own to clear any aircraft at this period, except an approval is given by the authorities concerned.

``After due clearance and the provision of the needed logistics, the aircraft in reference was cleared for take off,'' Udoh said.

He, however, said that the issue was still being investigated further.

Reports had indicated that an aircraft conveying Amaechi was grounded temporarily at the Akure airport on Friday .

The incident was said to have happened after the burial of Mrs Funmi Olayinka, the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, held in Ado Ekiti, (NAN)

FAAN assures on capability to fight fires at airports

Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured that it has sufficient equipment to fight fires at the airports.

FAAN said it has sufficiently equipped its fire service and other departments in charge of rescue operations to promptly respond to any accident around the airports across Nigeria.

FAAN said with the training and collaboration with other similar accident response agencies undertaken in recent time, a situation where emergency team arrive late at scenes of accident will be a thing of the past.

Regional Manager of FAAN, South West Airports, Mr. Edward Olarerin said at a mock respond and rescue exercise simulated close to the international airport runway 18R in Lagos, that various agencies involved in rescue operations demonstrated their readiness to handle real life situations.

NAHCO grows profit by 55% in first quarter

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian Aviation Handing Company (NAHCO Aviance Plc) has announced an increase in its Profit After Tax (PAT) of 55 per cent in the first quarter of 2013 compared to the same period in 2012.

According to a statement signed by the company’s Managing Director Mr. Kayode Oluwasegun Ojo, the Profit After Tax grew from N101million in March 2012 to N157million in March 2013.

The statement said the turnover grew from N1.5billion to N1.795billion, which is a 15 per cent increase in the unaudited result in the first quarter.

The MD said the statement is sequel to the company’s performance result released to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), while attributing the performance to the general improvement in efficiency and cost containment of NAHCO.

“The change in the bottom-line reflects gains from our transformation programme, cost containment initiatives and long term strategy for investment in human resource development, equipment renewal, cargo modernisation and process improvement,” the statement said.

Recently, NAHCO ‘s board approved the payment of 25 kobo dividend which represent a yield of 4.75 per cent in line with its plan to doubling its earnings in two years.

Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah is the Chairman of NAHCO Aviance Plc.

Source: Daily Trust

Mobile check - In introduced by Dana Air

Aviation Nigeria

Guests of Dana Air will enjoy quicker and convenient check-in services with the launch of the ‘Roving Agent’, a mobile device which allows guests to be checked-in on arrival at the airport by mobile airline staff.

Strapped with tablet PCs and mini printers, the airline’s mobile check-in agents can now issue boarding passes to guests even before they reach the check-in counter. This new initiative complements the airline’s existing check-in counters and online check-in service.

“What we are offering in roving agents is immense value addition for our guests,” said Obi Mbanuzuo, Dana Air’s Head of Commercial. “With this solution, our mobile check-in agents can quickly access and verify the travel reservation details of guests; book them on their choice of seat and generate boarding passes.”

“Now guests with hand baggage need not wait at the check-in counter to collect their boarding pass; they can simply approach any of our easily recognizable mobile check-in agents on arrival at the airport and then proceed through airport security to the boarding gate,” Mbanuzuo explained.

Source: Daily Trust

NAMA Cooperatives record significant increase in 2012

Aviation Nigeria

President of NAMA Staff Cooperatives and Investment Society,Mr Edino Amos has stated that the savings of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency(NAMA) cooperatives society rose from N88m in 2011 to N130m in 2012.

He made this assertion while speaking at the 11th Annual General Meeting of the society, adding that the amount of loans disbursed to members was over 40% in the year under review.

Amos noted that 2012 remained one of the challenging years but with determination and dedication the cooperative was able to scale through with a significant achievements.

The Cooperative and Investment Society has been able to assist members and imparted positively in meeting up with their obligations through securing loans at a very low interest rate.

The president also added that the cooperative had recorded N11..2million in profits during the year

Reports on controversial Bombardier Global Express 5000

Aviation Nigeria

On 26 April 2013 a pilot in command of a Bombardier BD 700 Global Express aircraft failed to file a proper Passenger Manifest declaring the full identity of all passengers on the aircraft for the intended flight as mandatory requirement by the regulatory authorities.

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NCAA) was led to ground the aircraft and also begin investigations into the ope-rationality and legality of the aircraft. The investigations revealed:

The Aircraft with registration number N565RS is currently listed on the U.S. Department of Transport (DOT), Federal Aviation Administration Registry. The registration was issued to “BANK OF UTAH TRUSTEE” of 200 E, South Temple, Suite 210, Salt Lake City, UT 84111-1346.

The aircraft also carries a NOT TRANSFERABLE certificates and its registration indicates it was issued on 28 September 2012 to expire 30 September 2015.

The aircraft is currently insured with Alliance Global Risks US Insurance Company. The Policy Holder noted on the Certificate of Insurance is “ACASS CANADA LIMITED” of 6700 Cote de Liesse, Suite 206, Montreal, QC H4T 2B5, Canada. 

Findings indicate the aircraft did not have a valid flight clearance for its operations on 26 April 2013 as the last clearance obtained for the aircraft expired on 2 April 2013. Falsified clearances had been used for three flights in the month of January, March and April.

The NCAA have also maintained that the flight which carries a Coat of Arms insignia referring its ownership to he Rivers State Government did not posses sufficient documentation to back any form of transfer from its real owners to the government of Rivers State.