Monday 29 April 2013


Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) has maintained that the grounding of the Bombadier BD 700 Global Express Aircraft belonging to the Bank of Utah Salt Lake City USA by the NCAA, was in line with actions that follow a breach of regulatory protocols.

In an interview with Channels television early this morning the General Manager  Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati said:

"The aircraft registration process is that alien flights have to go through what we call Flight Operations Clearance Certificate before it is allowed to come into the country and in that has an inspection process that may lead to a temporary clearance of 6 months."

"The position was that we had an alien body, which had gone around Owerri, Port Harcourt, Akure, and this is not to be so. We did not even have an idea of who was in the aircraft because there was no submission of a flight plan." He added.

Also speaking on the interview, Rivers State Commissioner of Information, Ibim Semenitari said that the aviation regulatory bodies were in possession of documents which provided sufficient information on the Bombadier BD 700 Global Express Aircraft which was grounded in Akure and had failed to give prompt notification to the owners on the aircraft position.

She said: " The owners where not notified, whereas there is a document which shows the aircraft is held in trust, who the trustee is and also the trustor. The trustor is the government of Rivers State. The agency has these records for aviation trusteeship arrangements"

She also said that a it was unlikely that a sub national government would be receiving notification of a breach in process through the media.

Dati called on other aircraft owners to maintain regulatory protocols adding that he did not see the connection between the office of the minister and the regulatory functions of the NCAA who have been stationed to carry out functions within the confines of the law.

The National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had on Saturday banned the Rivers State-owned bombardier aircraft from flying in Nigeria’s airspace. The Acting Director General of NCAA, Benedict Adeyinka, the Director of Airworthiness and Standards, announced the suspension of the plane from Nigeria’s airspace, saying its clearance certificate had since expired.

Aircraft grounding by NCAA within legal confines - FAAN


Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) has maintained that the grounding of the Bombadier BD 700 Global Express Aircraft belonging to the Bank of Utah Salt Lake City USA by the NCAA, was in line with actions that follow a breach of regulatory protocols.

In an interview with Channels television early this morning the General Manager  Corporate Communications, Mr. Yakubu Dati said:

"The aircraft registration process is that alien flights have to go through what we call Flight Operations Clearance Certificate before it is allowed to come into the country and in that has an inspection process that may lead to a temporary clearance of 6 months."

"The position was that we had an alien body, which had gone around Owerri, Port Harcourt, Akure, and this is not to be so. We did not even have an idea of who was in the aircraft because there was no submission of a flight plan." He added.

Also speaking on the interview, Rivers State Commissioner of Information, Ibim Semenitari said that the aviation regulatory bodies were in possession of documents which provided sufficient information on the Bombadier BD 700 Global Express Aircraft which was grounded in Akure and had failed to give prompt notification to the owners on the aircraft position.

She said: " The owners where not notified, whereas there is a document which shows the aircraft is held in trust, who the trustee is and also the trustor. The trustor is the government of Rivers State. The agency has these records for aviation trusteeship arrangements"

She also said that a it was unlikely that a sub national government would be receiving notification of a breach in process through the media.

Dati called on other aircraft owners to maintain regulatory protocols adding that he did not see the connection between the office of the minister and the regulatory functions of the NCAA who have been stationed to carry out functions within the confines of the law.

The National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had on Saturday banned the Rivers State-owned bombardier aircraft from flying in Nigeria’s airspace. The Acting Director General of NCAA, Benedict Adeyinka, the Director of Airworthiness and Standards, announced the suspension of the plane from Nigeria’s airspace, saying its clearance certificate had since expired.

Sunday 28 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


The Nigeria civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) has grounded a Bombardier -BD  700 , Global Express aircraft which was in the service of Governor Rotimi Amaechi  of Rivers state, and have also declared any operation by the flight as illegal.

Addressing reporters on Saturday 26 April 2013, at the NCAA, Director of Airworthiness  Standards, Engineer Benedict  Adeyileka explained that the while the aircraft was still operating illegally , it has been sighted in several places including Owerri and Akure.

Adeyileka said: 

"The controversial aircraft on the service of Governor Rotimi  Amaechi  is operating illegally on the country, by our records the last flight clearance for this aircraft was approved for operations on Thursday March 28, 2013 on Accra/Port Harcourt and Accra to terminate on April 2, 2013. With this development, the aircraft has exceeded the extra two days or forty eight hours leeway for it to leave the country."

The NCAA director further pointed out that the aircraft carried a certificate of registration indicating that it belongs to the Bank of Utah Trustees of Salt Lake City , Utah United States of America.

The aircraft a Bombardier BD 700 , Global Express with registration number N565RS, has its clearance approval expired since Tuesday ,April 2, 2013, and reports say clearance for the aircraft was last sought by Caverton Helicopters on March 27,2013.

NCAA did not ground the aircraft prior to request for start up in Akure on Friday 26, April 2013.

NCAA declares aircraft in the service governor Ameachi illegal

Aviation Nigeria


The Nigeria civil Aviation Authority(NCAA) has grounded a Bombardier -BD  700 , Global Express aircraft which was in the service of Governor Rotimi Amaechi  of Rivers state, and have also declared any operation by the flight as illegal.

Addressing reporters on Saturday 26 April 2013, at the NCAA, Director of Airworthiness  Standards, Engineer Benedict  Adeyileka explained that the while the aircraft was still operating illegally , it has been sighted in several places including Owerri and Akure.

Adeyileka said: 

"The controversial aircraft on the service of Governor Rotimi  Amaechi  is operating illegally on the country, by our records the last flight clearance for this aircraft was approved for operations on Thursday March 28, 2013 on Accra/Port Harcourt and Accra to terminate on April 2, 2013. With this development, the aircraft has exceeded the extra two days or forty eight hours leeway for it to leave the country."

The NCAA director further pointed out that the aircraft carried a certificate of registration indicating that it belongs to the Bank of Utah Trustees of Salt Lake City , Utah United States of America.

The aircraft a Bombardier BD 700 , Global Express with registration number N565RS, has its clearance approval expired since Tuesday ,April 2, 2013, and reports say clearance for the aircraft was last sought by Caverton Helicopters on March 27,2013.

NCAA did not ground the aircraft prior to request for start up in Akure on Friday 26, April 2013.

Saturday 27 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria

Akwa Ibom International Airport
Aviation experts have called for the consolidation of airline operators in the country. This they asserted will improve healthy competition and improve airline services in the country.

Aviation expert and President of Sabre Network West Africa, a United States-based airlines and global distribution system company, Mr. Gbenga Olowo, made this assertion while speaking in an interview on Channels television, early Friday morning. He also added that the position of current operators is that they are either stressed, insolvent, or outright distressed. This he insists indicate that in another 5 to 10 years, these airlines may not be there.


Gbenga Olowo pointed out that if Air France and KLM a French and Dutch airline can come together, and pitch in United Continental their aircraft fleet will go to about 1,700 airplanes. He also said that a small airline like the Uruguan Air has almost 200 airplanes, far greater than a pool of 6 airlines in Nigeria which had below 60 planes in total.


Olowo speaking on meeting the IATA proposal for aviation operators world wide and tagged 'A dozen airlines in 2050', said airline agencies will also have to introduce technologies which aid sales such as a Global Distribution System which enables increased commercial traffic internationally.


He commended the efforts of the Aviation minister Princess Stella Oduah for the on-going infrastructural developments and added that there would be further need for investment in aviation technology.


Also contributing in the interview, Vice President to Wizie Technology a USA based agency Vikaz Kannan said: "Smaller players don't get eliminated in healthy competition, they get stronger because the consolidations create an arena for multiple opportunities"


Kannan also urged Nigerian airlines to explore the advantages in synergies and work together voluntarily to achieve the sectors development. " It is often difficult in Nigeria for business people to voluntarily come together" He said.


Both experts agreed there was a need to consolidate aviation services as well as boost technological infrastructure at airports nationwide.

Growing need for airline consolidation in Nigeria - Aviation Experts

Aviation Nigeria

Akwa Ibom International Airport
Aviation experts have called for the consolidation of airline operators in the country. This they asserted will improve healthy competition and improve airline services in the country.

Aviation expert and President of Sabre Network West Africa, a United States-based airlines and global distribution system company, Mr. Gbenga Olowo, made this assertion while speaking in an interview on Channels television, early Friday morning. He also added that the position of current operators is that they are either stressed, insolvent, or outright distressed. This he insists indicate that in another 5 to 10 years, these airlines may not be there.


Gbenga Olowo pointed out that if Air France and KLM a French and Dutch airline can come together, and pitch in United Continental their aircraft fleet will go to about 1,700 airplanes. He also said that a small airline like the Uruguan Air has almost 200 airplanes, far greater than a pool of 6 airlines in Nigeria which had below 60 planes in total.


Olowo speaking on meeting the IATA proposal for aviation operators world wide and tagged 'A dozen airlines in 2050', said airline agencies will also have to introduce technologies which aid sales such as a Global Distribution System which enables increased commercial traffic internationally.


He commended the efforts of the Aviation minister Princess Stella Oduah for the on-going infrastructural developments and added that there would be further need for investment in aviation technology.


Also contributing in the interview, Vice President to Wizie Technology a USA based agency Vikaz Kannan said: "Smaller players don't get eliminated in healthy competition, they get stronger because the consolidations create an arena for multiple opportunities"


Kannan also urged Nigerian airlines to explore the advantages in synergies and work together voluntarily to achieve the sectors development. " It is often difficult in Nigeria for business people to voluntarily come together" He said.


Both experts agreed there was a need to consolidate aviation services as well as boost technological infrastructure at airports nationwide.

Friday 26 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


A suspected recruitment fraudster in the Nigeria Airforce, Mr. Kolukomo Tekena, was yesterday paraded by the Nigeria Air Force base in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The suspect, who hails from Bayelsa State, was said to have been dismissed from the Army as a Private. Parading the suspect, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Force headquarters, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, said Tekena’s arrest was due to complaints by members of the public, who said they paid huge sums of money to him to enable them join the Air Force.

Anas added that Tekena, who claimed to be a Group Captain, was in possession of military identity cards and NAF badges when he was arrested by NAF intelligence operatives in Benin City, it was gathered.

“He was arrested while attempting to collect N50,000, which he demanded from one Venture Ogbe, a candidate at the just concluded NAF recruitment exercise in Benin City,” Anas said.

Commodore Anas said before Tekena’s arrest, he forwarded a UBA account number to the victim, after which he asked him to come to Benin City from Lagos to attend the screening exercise.

“NAF intelligence operatives worked with the candidate and persuaded the fraudster to agree on hand-to-hand payment at a place of his choice”, NAF spokesman stated.

He said the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, and warned that recruitment in NAF is never on cash and carry basis.

Speaking with newsmen, the suspect, Tekena, said it was the devil that pushed him into the business. 

He said he was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a Private and was dismissed on ground of absence without leave.

Source: Daily Trust

Air force arrests recruitment fraudster in Edo

Aviation Nigeria


A suspected recruitment fraudster in the Nigeria Airforce, Mr. Kolukomo Tekena, was yesterday paraded by the Nigeria Air Force base in Benin, the Edo State capital.

The suspect, who hails from Bayelsa State, was said to have been dismissed from the Army as a Private. Parading the suspect, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Force headquarters, Air Commodore Yusuf Anas, said Tekena’s arrest was due to complaints by members of the public, who said they paid huge sums of money to him to enable them join the Air Force.

Anas added that Tekena, who claimed to be a Group Captain, was in possession of military identity cards and NAF badges when he was arrested by NAF intelligence operatives in Benin City, it was gathered.

“He was arrested while attempting to collect N50,000, which he demanded from one Venture Ogbe, a candidate at the just concluded NAF recruitment exercise in Benin City,” Anas said.

Commodore Anas said before Tekena’s arrest, he forwarded a UBA account number to the victim, after which he asked him to come to Benin City from Lagos to attend the screening exercise.

“NAF intelligence operatives worked with the candidate and persuaded the fraudster to agree on hand-to-hand payment at a place of his choice”, NAF spokesman stated.

He said the suspect would be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution, and warned that recruitment in NAF is never on cash and carry basis.

Speaking with newsmen, the suspect, Tekena, said it was the devil that pushed him into the business. 

He said he was enlisted into the Nigerian Army as a Private and was dismissed on ground of absence without leave.

Source: Daily Trust

Tuesday 23 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


The Managing Director of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company of Nigeria Limited (SAHCOL), Mr. Oluropo Owolabi has appealed to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah to consider Customs duties waivers to ground handling companies in the aviation industry.

Owolabi decried that the amount of money paid by ground handling companies as Customs duties at the ports on imported equipment was too high, stressing that this would go a long way in reducing costs for the companies in the sector. He made these statements last week at the commissioning of new ground handling equipment for SAHCOL.

He, however, commended Oduah for ensuring duty free regime for airline operators in the country on acquisition of aircraft and imported equipment for their operations, maintaining that this would further boost safety in the sector, but enjoined her to look in the direction of ground handlers for the same purpose.

He said, “One of the things that I think the Federal Government in conjunction with the minister has been able to do is the granting of Customs duty waivers to the airlines. I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to the minister to assist us to be able to have this sort of relieve at the borders.

This will go a long way in helping the companies in the sector to grow. “You are asking me how much we spent in acquiring these equipment, but the truth is that I can not quantify it until after everything is out. We paid through our nose from the port and these equipment can not be moved around, they are meant for stations.

“Once they enter the tarmac, that is the end. That is the reason the government needs to assist us because of safety. Most of the handling companies in this industry can not afford this because they are very expensive, but a duty free regime from the seaport would enable us meet some of the challenges at the airports.”

Also, he declared that the ongoing construction of its warehouse at Lagos Airport has reached 80 per cent completion stage, adding that it would be commissioned for use before the end of the year.
Some of the newly acquired equipment are Commanders 15i JBT Loader, 40i JBT Loader and 30i JBT Loader, which performed different ground handling functions on aircraft ranging from narrow to wide body aircraft.

Owolabi insisted that the equipment are the latest of such in the sub-region, stressing that the company would not rest on its oars until ground handling sub-sector in the country is at par with other developed aviation countries in the world.

Source: Fly Naija

SAHCOL seeks duty waivers for ground handlers

Aviation Nigeria


The Managing Director of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company of Nigeria Limited (SAHCOL), Mr. Oluropo Owolabi has appealed to the Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah to consider Customs duties waivers to ground handling companies in the aviation industry.

Owolabi decried that the amount of money paid by ground handling companies as Customs duties at the ports on imported equipment was too high, stressing that this would go a long way in reducing costs for the companies in the sector. He made these statements last week at the commissioning of new ground handling equipment for SAHCOL.

He, however, commended Oduah for ensuring duty free regime for airline operators in the country on acquisition of aircraft and imported equipment for their operations, maintaining that this would further boost safety in the sector, but enjoined her to look in the direction of ground handlers for the same purpose.

He said, “One of the things that I think the Federal Government in conjunction with the minister has been able to do is the granting of Customs duty waivers to the airlines. I want to seize this opportunity to appeal to the minister to assist us to be able to have this sort of relieve at the borders.

This will go a long way in helping the companies in the sector to grow. “You are asking me how much we spent in acquiring these equipment, but the truth is that I can not quantify it until after everything is out. We paid through our nose from the port and these equipment can not be moved around, they are meant for stations.

“Once they enter the tarmac, that is the end. That is the reason the government needs to assist us because of safety. Most of the handling companies in this industry can not afford this because they are very expensive, but a duty free regime from the seaport would enable us meet some of the challenges at the airports.”

Also, he declared that the ongoing construction of its warehouse at Lagos Airport has reached 80 per cent completion stage, adding that it would be commissioned for use before the end of the year.
Some of the newly acquired equipment are Commanders 15i JBT Loader, 40i JBT Loader and 30i JBT Loader, which performed different ground handling functions on aircraft ranging from narrow to wide body aircraft.

Owolabi insisted that the equipment are the latest of such in the sub-region, stressing that the company would not rest on its oars until ground handling sub-sector in the country is at par with other developed aviation countries in the world.

Source: Fly Naija

by ESSIEN NDUESO

It is often said that the peacock is always proud of its feather and loses no time displaying it whenever opportunity beckons. This is presumably the summary of the story of the Akwa Ibom international airport.

When Governor Godswill Akpabio laid the foundation stone of the interim terminal building of Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA) in December 2007, not many people showed significant enthusiasm for the progress of development of the then newly started Airport. Akpabio’s promise to land a large body aircraft at the airport the following year was taken with a pinch of salt because the previous administration had failed to make any significant progress despite repeated assurances on the airport. 

To be candid, several other prime infrastructural projects before that time were witnessing very slow pace of implementation. And this situation substantially accounted for the inability of most government projects to be completed and inaugurated for public use before the coming of the Akpabio administration.

The actual construction on the building commenced in January,2008 and in September, 2009, not only was the interim terminal building completed but such other complementary facilities like the control tower ,Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) unit, communications room, the runway and internal road network among others in the Airport had also been completed. Before this time, and in June 2009 when several media editors and aviation correspondents visited the airport to see things for themselves, they were overheard whispering that the terminal building and the control tower can never be ready by September, 2009. Some of them even said that should a plane land in Uyo on September 23 that year, it will undoubtedly enter the Guinness record book.

All that is history, as an inaugural flight touched down on the tarmac of the Airport on 23rd September, 2009, the 22nd anniversary of the creation of the state. On that day an Arik Air, Boeing 737-900 Aircraft loaded with passengers was received into the facility with an unprecedented enthusiastic crowd of well meaning Nigerians, mostly Akwa Ibom indigenes flocked to the airport to keep a date with destiny.

Knowing too well that the responsibility of implementing his vision in the aviation sector was enormous, Chief Akpabio bestowed the task of seeing this vision through , on the shoulders of a humble and dynamic Austin Mbeh, a lawyer and grassroot politician. Those who who know Barr Mbeh, can always vouch that he is one who is committed to quality service delivery and hates mediocrity with passion. At all times Mbeh had discharged his assignments diligently. As publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP in Akwa Ibom State, and was considered a great pillar behind the success of the Uwem Ita Etuk-led executive. At the time of his appointment as commissioner in the State Executive Council, he was overwhelmingly being sought after by Ikot Ekpene federal constituency to represent the constituency in the green chambers of the national assembly. His first port of call was the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Barr Mbeh brought life into the ministry, including organizing the national festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST.

Since his appointment as superintendent, the airport has not witnessed any lull in breaking new grounds and hitting fresh milestones. Apart from securing all the necessary approvals from the myriad of aviation regulatory and other oversight bodies, the Airport has retained a sustained partnership with reputable Airlines who are operating scheduled passenger services into it. These are beside frequent corporate and chartered operations that are run by entities such as Julius Berger, Exxon Mobil, Banks and other innumerable individuals and organizations.

Akwa Ibom airport is arguably the first Airport in Nigeria to secure approval for its operational manual. This also entails regular updating of its critical safety facilities to bring them in sync with international best practices as enunciated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). For instance, in October, 2010, AKIA underwent the commissioning/calibration of the navigational aids by the Senegalese-based company, ASECNA. Shortly after that, the facility achieved the upgrade from Visual Flight Rule (VFR) status to Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations and night operations.

At so many times, people do wonder if the airport does deserve to be branded an international airport. Akwa Ibom International Airport has fulfilled her mandate as an international facility having commenced yearly direct airlifting of Christian pilgrims from Uyo to Jerusalem since December 2010. The operations cover pilgrims from three states of Akwa Ibom, Abia and Cross River.

AKIA was designed with three major components, namely; the passenger airport, the cargo wing and the Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Its runway dimension of 3.6 km by 60m expandable to 4.2km makes it the second longest runway among Nigerian airports only cueing behind the international runway of national premier gateway, the Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos of 3.9 km. The critical Aircraft for AKIA is Boeing 747. This is beside the fact that the Airport is now putting in place the requirement to handle the Airbus A380 by adjusting taxiway dimension and parking areas (Apron). The new terminal building under construction is making provisions for the A380 airbus.

Having come this far with the first phase of development, the second phase is going to focus on considering and selection of an operator for the MRO together with securing all the technical approvals. This phase will also witness the building of the main terminal building (contract for construction and equipment has already been awarded) and the taxi way in addition to extending the interim terminal building apron. Also a brand new VIP hanger is being developed besides the main MRO. In addition, the MRO apron will also be extended to accommodate cargo operations. Contracts for all these have already been awarded by the state Government and works have since commenced.

From the foregoing, it is clear that AKIA has been strategically positioned for seamless international aviation services.

On the standard quality of facilities at the airport, the commissioner for special duties, Barr. Austin Mbeh opened up during the 2013 budget defense session held at the House of Assembly Complex. An elated Barr. Mbeh informed the lawmakers that the Ibom International Airport has earned the rating of the productivity merit award as the best and neatest airport in Nigeria.

Recently, Barr. Mbeh led a cream of journalists in the state on a tour of facilities at the airport. The pressmen were conducted round the taxiway, apron expansion and the international Terminal building site at the Airport.

Briefing them, Commissioner Mbeh, explained that the decision by Governor Godswill Akpabio to give Akwa Ibom people such world class facility which he noted has remain a signature project of the uncommon transformation agenda of his administration, was in line with his promise to change the status of the state from a mere pedestrian state to a destination of choice.

Akwa Ibom International Airport according to Austin Mbeh is rated as the best in Nigeria in terms of facility, operation, management as well as cleanliness of the airport, and any attempt to say more than this amounts to overemphasis.

Conducting newsmen round the sites of taxi way , apron and International Terminal building handled by Gitto Construction company and Alcon Nigeria Limited, respectively, the Special Duties commissioner explained that the provision of a taxi way at the airport became necessary in order to complement the runway in view of the anticipated increase in air-related activities that would arise upon the completion of the International Terminal and M.R.O Facility. Already the Nigeria Airspace management Agency, NAMA, has granted a 24 hour flight operation status to Ibom airport.

At the Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul facility which is nearing completion, representative of Alcon Nigeria Limited, Engr. Micho and the Consultant, Engr. Simeon Aroroye, informed members of the press that commercial operation at the M.R.O. will commence in the third quarter of 2014.

It was also gathered that over N400 million have so far been generated by the Ibom Airport , with a passenger volume of One hundred and Eighty seven thousand patronizing the airport as at 2012.

At the International Terminal building where work was seen progressing steadily, the contracting firm ALCON, assured of its readiness to deliver the assignment on schedule. The Akwa Ibom International Airport readily presents a clear picture of a state on wings soaring to higher heights, little wonder everyone visiting Akwa Ibom in recent times has not been able to resist the temptation of applauding Governor Akpabio for the vision of executing an international aviation facility in the State.

Clearly seen, the airport has not only placed Akwa Ibom on the international aviation map, it has made the state a vibrant and pulsating economy teemed with the life of living with investors and tourists; playing host to an unprecedented number of passengers since the commencement of commercial operations there, and the fact that most air travelers to this part of Nigeria prefer the world’s newest airport, survey indicates that passenger traffic has skyrocketed with its resultant booming revenue generation.


ESSIEN NDUESO writes from Uyo,Akwa Ibom State

Opinion Post: Akwa Ibom Int’l Airport: Providing Wings in a flying State


by ESSIEN NDUESO

It is often said that the peacock is always proud of its feather and loses no time displaying it whenever opportunity beckons. This is presumably the summary of the story of the Akwa Ibom international airport.

When Governor Godswill Akpabio laid the foundation stone of the interim terminal building of Akwa Ibom International Airport (AKIA) in December 2007, not many people showed significant enthusiasm for the progress of development of the then newly started Airport. Akpabio’s promise to land a large body aircraft at the airport the following year was taken with a pinch of salt because the previous administration had failed to make any significant progress despite repeated assurances on the airport. 

To be candid, several other prime infrastructural projects before that time were witnessing very slow pace of implementation. And this situation substantially accounted for the inability of most government projects to be completed and inaugurated for public use before the coming of the Akpabio administration.

The actual construction on the building commenced in January,2008 and in September, 2009, not only was the interim terminal building completed but such other complementary facilities like the control tower ,Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting Service (ARFFS) unit, communications room, the runway and internal road network among others in the Airport had also been completed. Before this time, and in June 2009 when several media editors and aviation correspondents visited the airport to see things for themselves, they were overheard whispering that the terminal building and the control tower can never be ready by September, 2009. Some of them even said that should a plane land in Uyo on September 23 that year, it will undoubtedly enter the Guinness record book.

All that is history, as an inaugural flight touched down on the tarmac of the Airport on 23rd September, 2009, the 22nd anniversary of the creation of the state. On that day an Arik Air, Boeing 737-900 Aircraft loaded with passengers was received into the facility with an unprecedented enthusiastic crowd of well meaning Nigerians, mostly Akwa Ibom indigenes flocked to the airport to keep a date with destiny.

Knowing too well that the responsibility of implementing his vision in the aviation sector was enormous, Chief Akpabio bestowed the task of seeing this vision through , on the shoulders of a humble and dynamic Austin Mbeh, a lawyer and grassroot politician. Those who who know Barr Mbeh, can always vouch that he is one who is committed to quality service delivery and hates mediocrity with passion. At all times Mbeh had discharged his assignments diligently. As publicity secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party,PDP in Akwa Ibom State, and was considered a great pillar behind the success of the Uwem Ita Etuk-led executive. At the time of his appointment as commissioner in the State Executive Council, he was overwhelmingly being sought after by Ikot Ekpene federal constituency to represent the constituency in the green chambers of the national assembly. His first port of call was the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and Barr Mbeh brought life into the ministry, including organizing the national festival of Arts and Culture, NAFEST.

Since his appointment as superintendent, the airport has not witnessed any lull in breaking new grounds and hitting fresh milestones. Apart from securing all the necessary approvals from the myriad of aviation regulatory and other oversight bodies, the Airport has retained a sustained partnership with reputable Airlines who are operating scheduled passenger services into it. These are beside frequent corporate and chartered operations that are run by entities such as Julius Berger, Exxon Mobil, Banks and other innumerable individuals and organizations.

Akwa Ibom airport is arguably the first Airport in Nigeria to secure approval for its operational manual. This also entails regular updating of its critical safety facilities to bring them in sync with international best practices as enunciated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). For instance, in October, 2010, AKIA underwent the commissioning/calibration of the navigational aids by the Senegalese-based company, ASECNA. Shortly after that, the facility achieved the upgrade from Visual Flight Rule (VFR) status to Instrument Flight Rule (IFR) operations and night operations.

At so many times, people do wonder if the airport does deserve to be branded an international airport. Akwa Ibom International Airport has fulfilled her mandate as an international facility having commenced yearly direct airlifting of Christian pilgrims from Uyo to Jerusalem since December 2010. The operations cover pilgrims from three states of Akwa Ibom, Abia and Cross River.

AKIA was designed with three major components, namely; the passenger airport, the cargo wing and the Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul (MRO) facility. Its runway dimension of 3.6 km by 60m expandable to 4.2km makes it the second longest runway among Nigerian airports only cueing behind the international runway of national premier gateway, the Muritala Mohammed Airport, Lagos of 3.9 km. The critical Aircraft for AKIA is Boeing 747. This is beside the fact that the Airport is now putting in place the requirement to handle the Airbus A380 by adjusting taxiway dimension and parking areas (Apron). The new terminal building under construction is making provisions for the A380 airbus.

Having come this far with the first phase of development, the second phase is going to focus on considering and selection of an operator for the MRO together with securing all the technical approvals. This phase will also witness the building of the main terminal building (contract for construction and equipment has already been awarded) and the taxi way in addition to extending the interim terminal building apron. Also a brand new VIP hanger is being developed besides the main MRO. In addition, the MRO apron will also be extended to accommodate cargo operations. Contracts for all these have already been awarded by the state Government and works have since commenced.

From the foregoing, it is clear that AKIA has been strategically positioned for seamless international aviation services.

On the standard quality of facilities at the airport, the commissioner for special duties, Barr. Austin Mbeh opened up during the 2013 budget defense session held at the House of Assembly Complex. An elated Barr. Mbeh informed the lawmakers that the Ibom International Airport has earned the rating of the productivity merit award as the best and neatest airport in Nigeria.

Recently, Barr. Mbeh led a cream of journalists in the state on a tour of facilities at the airport. The pressmen were conducted round the taxiway, apron expansion and the international Terminal building site at the Airport.

Briefing them, Commissioner Mbeh, explained that the decision by Governor Godswill Akpabio to give Akwa Ibom people such world class facility which he noted has remain a signature project of the uncommon transformation agenda of his administration, was in line with his promise to change the status of the state from a mere pedestrian state to a destination of choice.

Akwa Ibom International Airport according to Austin Mbeh is rated as the best in Nigeria in terms of facility, operation, management as well as cleanliness of the airport, and any attempt to say more than this amounts to overemphasis.

Conducting newsmen round the sites of taxi way , apron and International Terminal building handled by Gitto Construction company and Alcon Nigeria Limited, respectively, the Special Duties commissioner explained that the provision of a taxi way at the airport became necessary in order to complement the runway in view of the anticipated increase in air-related activities that would arise upon the completion of the International Terminal and M.R.O Facility. Already the Nigeria Airspace management Agency, NAMA, has granted a 24 hour flight operation status to Ibom airport.

At the Maintenance Repairs and Overhaul facility which is nearing completion, representative of Alcon Nigeria Limited, Engr. Micho and the Consultant, Engr. Simeon Aroroye, informed members of the press that commercial operation at the M.R.O. will commence in the third quarter of 2014.

It was also gathered that over N400 million have so far been generated by the Ibom Airport , with a passenger volume of One hundred and Eighty seven thousand patronizing the airport as at 2012.

At the International Terminal building where work was seen progressing steadily, the contracting firm ALCON, assured of its readiness to deliver the assignment on schedule. The Akwa Ibom International Airport readily presents a clear picture of a state on wings soaring to higher heights, little wonder everyone visiting Akwa Ibom in recent times has not been able to resist the temptation of applauding Governor Akpabio for the vision of executing an international aviation facility in the State.

Clearly seen, the airport has not only placed Akwa Ibom on the international aviation map, it has made the state a vibrant and pulsating economy teemed with the life of living with investors and tourists; playing host to an unprecedented number of passengers since the commencement of commercial operations there, and the fact that most air travelers to this part of Nigeria prefer the world’s newest airport, survey indicates that passenger traffic has skyrocketed with its resultant booming revenue generation.


ESSIEN NDUESO writes from Uyo,Akwa Ibom State
Aviation Nigeria


Workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have called on the management for the conversion of the hotel erected by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) into an official headquarters for the agency.

This was contained in a solidarity message to FAAN’s Managing Director, George Uriesi, by the workers, who also indicated the possibility of a strike strike action if the request was not granted.

Few weeks ago FAAN said it had taken over the hotel being built on a lease concession opposite the domestic terminal, MMA2, owned and managed by BASL. But Bi-Courtney had also earlier secured a court injunction to stop FAAN from taking over the facility and unless the court rules otherwise.

Confirming the demand of the workers, a senior official of Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigerian (ATSSSAN, FAAN branch) said that what the workers requested was in tandem with their earlier position about the “giving of all the airport land in Lagos to Bi-Courtney,” adding that the federal government at the time it was given to the company “arm-twisted FAAN to reach concession agreement with Bi-Courtney Limited.”

“He (Dr. Wale Babalakin, the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited) arm-twisted FAAN to secure those concessions. He said  he would use our living quarter as guest house, together with the airport school. He said he was going to use the headquarters of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as the kitchen for his hotel. But when he took lease of that land where he built the hotel, it was agreed he would complete it in 18 months. It is now more than eight years.

“He has deprived us revenue from that land. We have lost over N5 billion from that land which was rented to food vendors and part of it used as car park. He was annexing all the land at the airport. We have to use the hotel as our headquarters. It is well located as head office,” the official said.

Source: This Day

FAAN: Workers pressure for conversion of Bi-Courtney Hotel

Aviation Nigeria


Workers of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) have called on the management for the conversion of the hotel erected by Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL) into an official headquarters for the agency.

This was contained in a solidarity message to FAAN’s Managing Director, George Uriesi, by the workers, who also indicated the possibility of a strike strike action if the request was not granted.

Few weeks ago FAAN said it had taken over the hotel being built on a lease concession opposite the domestic terminal, MMA2, owned and managed by BASL. But Bi-Courtney had also earlier secured a court injunction to stop FAAN from taking over the facility and unless the court rules otherwise.

Confirming the demand of the workers, a senior official of Air Transport Senior Staff Association of Nigerian (ATSSSAN, FAAN branch) said that what the workers requested was in tandem with their earlier position about the “giving of all the airport land in Lagos to Bi-Courtney,” adding that the federal government at the time it was given to the company “arm-twisted FAAN to reach concession agreement with Bi-Courtney Limited.”

“He (Dr. Wale Babalakin, the Chairman of Bi-Courtney Limited) arm-twisted FAAN to secure those concessions. He said  he would use our living quarter as guest house, together with the airport school. He said he was going to use the headquarters of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as the kitchen for his hotel. But when he took lease of that land where he built the hotel, it was agreed he would complete it in 18 months. It is now more than eight years.

“He has deprived us revenue from that land. We have lost over N5 billion from that land which was rented to food vendors and part of it used as car park. He was annexing all the land at the airport. We have to use the hotel as our headquarters. It is well located as head office,” the official said.

Source: This Day
Aviation Nigeria


Workers of defunct Nigeria Airways in other African countries have made an appeal to the Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah to intervene in the matter of their unpaid severance benefits.

In a petition made to the Minister dated April 15, 2013, entitled: “The cry of a suffering and helpless orphan. What is our fate 10 years after the liquidation of Nigeria Airways,” retirees stated their names and numbers and noted the pains they had gone through in their attempts and failures to secure their benefits.

The Airline was liquidated in October 2003 and in March 2008, the Nigerian based workers were paid almost their full benefits while all the West Coast staff who  were all present in Lagos in 2008 during this massive payments  were left out.

The workers based in Lome, Togo, Cotonou, Douala, Cameroon and Libreville disclosed that they had considered following up the approval of the supplementary list by the National Assembly and the Presidency.

According to the affected workers: “Unfortunately, we were completely neglected as we were told payments were only for the Nigerian workers. The excuse we were given by the paying staff from Abuja was that the west coast staff were erroneously not captured in the system.

“They told us that we would be paid with the supplementary list coming up before the end of 2008. No one could imagine this could take another five to six years.” another aggrieved retiree said.

They lauded the efforts of their High Commissioners and Embassies in Abuja that led to the final approval of their money by October last year.


Nigeria Airways: Foriegn retirees appeal to Aviation Minister for unpaid severance benefits

Aviation Nigeria


Workers of defunct Nigeria Airways in other African countries have made an appeal to the Minister of Aviation Princess Stella Oduah to intervene in the matter of their unpaid severance benefits.

In a petition made to the Minister dated April 15, 2013, entitled: “The cry of a suffering and helpless orphan. What is our fate 10 years after the liquidation of Nigeria Airways,” retirees stated their names and numbers and noted the pains they had gone through in their attempts and failures to secure their benefits.

The Airline was liquidated in October 2003 and in March 2008, the Nigerian based workers were paid almost their full benefits while all the West Coast staff who  were all present in Lagos in 2008 during this massive payments  were left out.

The workers based in Lome, Togo, Cotonou, Douala, Cameroon and Libreville disclosed that they had considered following up the approval of the supplementary list by the National Assembly and the Presidency.

According to the affected workers: “Unfortunately, we were completely neglected as we were told payments were only for the Nigerian workers. The excuse we were given by the paying staff from Abuja was that the west coast staff were erroneously not captured in the system.

“They told us that we would be paid with the supplementary list coming up before the end of 2008. No one could imagine this could take another five to six years.” another aggrieved retiree said.

They lauded the efforts of their High Commissioners and Embassies in Abuja that led to the final approval of their money by October last year.


Sunday 21 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to commence the implementation of the automation of revenue points in all the country's airports. 

Confirming the move, General Manager Corporate Communications of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati stated that the automated gates are currently undergoing  a test run and will be fully operational with effect from May 1, 2013.

Dati said the automation process will affect all revenue points including car Hire services, aviation fuel surcharge and fuel bowsers.

Commending the pace of development set by the aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah, Dati also highighted that the automation of aviation fuel supply to aircraft by marketers and the access toll gate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been completed. 

The new process ensures that every vehicle passing through the toll gate will be identified electronically after scanning the provided stickers on such vehicles.

Dati added that the new feature will increase efficiency and transparency as well as enhance security as security operators at the airport will be able to monitor vehicles within the airport environment at any point in time.

FAAN to begin implementation of Revenue Points Automation

Aviation Nigeria


The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) is set to commence the implementation of the automation of revenue points in all the country's airports. 

Confirming the move, General Manager Corporate Communications of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati stated that the automated gates are currently undergoing  a test run and will be fully operational with effect from May 1, 2013.

Dati said the automation process will affect all revenue points including car Hire services, aviation fuel surcharge and fuel bowsers.

Commending the pace of development set by the aviation Minister Princess Stella Oduah, Dati also highighted that the automation of aviation fuel supply to aircraft by marketers and the access toll gate of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja has been completed. 

The new process ensures that every vehicle passing through the toll gate will be identified electronically after scanning the provided stickers on such vehicles.

Dati added that the new feature will increase efficiency and transparency as well as enhance security as security operators at the airport will be able to monitor vehicles within the airport environment at any point in time.

Thursday 18 April 2013


Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said it will relocate tankers along airport road, the access gate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja to a safer location along the airport road.

The General Manager (Corporate Communications) Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the present location does not only pose a security risk, it also impedes traffic during peak periods, since some of the tanker drivers are fond of parking very close to the main road, thereby reducing space for vehicular movement.

“The plan to relocate the tankers followed series of meetings with stakeholders including oil companies, over the security challenges posed by the presence of these tankers especially in view present security situation in the country” Dati said.

To conclude the relocation, the FAAN Spokesman said a meeting has been scheduled between Customs agents, owners of the trucks, FAAN”s Aviation Security officials and officers from the Nigeria Police, to finalize all arrangements towards a hitch-free relocation.

It is expected that the relocation of the tanker drivers will bring relief to airport users, especially staff of agencies working at the airport.

Fuel tankers to be relocated from MMIA road


Aviation Nigeria

The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has said it will relocate tankers along airport road, the access gate at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja to a safer location along the airport road.

The General Manager (Corporate Communications) Mr. Yakubu Dati, said the present location does not only pose a security risk, it also impedes traffic during peak periods, since some of the tanker drivers are fond of parking very close to the main road, thereby reducing space for vehicular movement.

“The plan to relocate the tankers followed series of meetings with stakeholders including oil companies, over the security challenges posed by the presence of these tankers especially in view present security situation in the country” Dati said.

To conclude the relocation, the FAAN Spokesman said a meeting has been scheduled between Customs agents, owners of the trucks, FAAN”s Aviation Security officials and officers from the Nigeria Police, to finalize all arrangements towards a hitch-free relocation.

It is expected that the relocation of the tanker drivers will bring relief to airport users, especially staff of agencies working at the airport.

Wednesday 17 April 2013


Aviation Nigeria

Arik Air has added another distinctive achievement by emerging the Company of The Year at the Leadership Awards for Excellence 2013, which held at the International Conference Center Abuja.

The honour was bestowed on Arik Air by the Board of Editors of Leadership Newspapers for the airline’s commitment to excellence in the aviation industry marked by its improved and consistent provision of unique airline product and customer service.

This however is not a new feat for the airline, as it has bagged several awards, notable its chain of 'Airline of the Year' awards from 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Leadership awards conference 2013 had its theme titled "Rebuilding Nigeria" and hosted guest lecturer Niger State governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu to do a dissect against the backdrop of past and current challenges in the nation-building process and chart a way forward for the country.

Distinguished recipients of this year’s awards include the managing director/chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry, Mrs. Evelyn Ndali Oputu (LEADERSHIP CEO of the Year 2012); director-general, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Sidi 
(LEADERSHIP Public Officer of the Year 2012); the paralympians, LEADERSHIP Sportspersons of the Year 2012; Olusegun Adeniyi, LEADERSHIP Author of the Year 2012; Mary-Ann Juma, LEADERSHIP Young Person of the Year 2012; and Iyanya – the Kukere Master, LEADERSHIP Entertainer of the Year 2012.

Leadership Awards conference 2013 also featured entities in the corporate awards section where Arik Air bagged the Company of the Year awards and recipients included Airtel Nigeria, LEADERSHIP Telecom Company of the Year 2012; Zenith Bank, LEADERSHIP Bank of the Year 2012; Aso Savings & Loans, LEADERSHIP Mortgage Bank of the Year 2012; and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), LEADERSHIP Government Agency of the Year 2012.

Sir Arumemi-Ikhide founded Arik Air in 2006 and the airline started commercial operations on October 30, 2006 with three brand new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft thus becoming the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent and the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria in over 20 years. 

Arik Air is Nigeria’s leading commercial airline. It now operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. The airline currently serves 21 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).

Arik Air wins Leadership 'Company of the Year' awards 2013


Aviation Nigeria

Arik Air has added another distinctive achievement by emerging the Company of The Year at the Leadership Awards for Excellence 2013, which held at the International Conference Center Abuja.

The honour was bestowed on Arik Air by the Board of Editors of Leadership Newspapers for the airline’s commitment to excellence in the aviation industry marked by its improved and consistent provision of unique airline product and customer service.

This however is not a new feat for the airline, as it has bagged several awards, notable its chain of 'Airline of the Year' awards from 2008, 2009 and 2010.

Leadership awards conference 2013 had its theme titled "Rebuilding Nigeria" and hosted guest lecturer Niger State governor Muazu Babangida Aliyu to do a dissect against the backdrop of past and current challenges in the nation-building process and chart a way forward for the country.

Distinguished recipients of this year’s awards include the managing director/chief executive officer of the Bank of Industry, Mrs. Evelyn Ndali Oputu (LEADERSHIP CEO of the Year 2012); director-general, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Alhaji Mohammed Sani-Sidi 
(LEADERSHIP Public Officer of the Year 2012); the paralympians, LEADERSHIP Sportspersons of the Year 2012; Olusegun Adeniyi, LEADERSHIP Author of the Year 2012; Mary-Ann Juma, LEADERSHIP Young Person of the Year 2012; and Iyanya – the Kukere Master, LEADERSHIP Entertainer of the Year 2012.

Leadership Awards conference 2013 also featured entities in the corporate awards section where Arik Air bagged the Company of the Year awards and recipients included Airtel Nigeria, LEADERSHIP Telecom Company of the Year 2012; Zenith Bank, LEADERSHIP Bank of the Year 2012; Aso Savings & Loans, LEADERSHIP Mortgage Bank of the Year 2012; and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), LEADERSHIP Government Agency of the Year 2012.

Sir Arumemi-Ikhide founded Arik Air in 2006 and the airline started commercial operations on October 30, 2006 with three brand new Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft thus becoming the first CRJ900 operator on the African continent and the first airline to introduce new commercial aircraft into Nigeria in over 20 years. 

Arik Air is Nigeria’s leading commercial airline. It now operates a fleet of 26 state-of-the art regional, medium haul and long haul aircraft. The airline currently serves 21 airports across Nigeria as well as Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Cotonou (Benin), Dakar (Senegal), Freetown (Sierra Leone), London Heathrow (UK), Johannesburg (South Africa) and New York JFK (USA).

Tuesday 16 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigeria aviation industry will continue to play key roles in aviation development in the continent as demonstrated by its massive infrastructural investment in airport developments.

This was stated by the Managing Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi while speaking to newsmen at the meeting of the Airports Council International, African region, holding in Morocco.

According to a statement by the FAAN General Manager, Corporate Communications Yakubu Datti, “Mr. Uriesi who spoke passionately on the remodeling project going on in Nigeria said aviation holds the key to enormous opportunities for massive economic growth and development in the region.

He elaborated on the designation of airports as regional hubs to maximize their potentials and that the development of cargo ports is aimed at opening up the country to benefit from its full potential as an Agro-allied economy.

According to the MD, “the obstacle removing leadership provided by the Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has re-positioned the country as a serious global player ready to occupy its pride of place”.

He said the conference falls within the framework of the initiative launched by ICAO and ACI to promote safety and has allowed stakeholders to contribute proactively to the requirements of a safe and secure air transportation system. Furthermore, the conference is meant to sensitize participants on the importance of runway safety and the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the air transport chain.

The statement also noted that 2 directors from FAAN, Capt Henry Omeogu and Hajia Salamatu Eluma, in their presentations gave useful insights to progress made in FAAN and Nigeria in general. Mr Peter Onyeri while delivering a paper on runway safety, enumerated on the efforts and strategies for a sustainable safety in the African sub region.

The ACI Africa which is referred to as the voice of African airports leads represents and serves the African airport community, has membership of 50 African countries in the sub region.

The conference was supported by major industry players namely, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ association (IFATCA), the Civic Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) and other organizations of the air transport industry.

Nigeria will continue to play key roles in African aviation - FAAN

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigeria aviation industry will continue to play key roles in aviation development in the continent as demonstrated by its massive infrastructural investment in airport developments.

This was stated by the Managing Director of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Mr. George Uriesi while speaking to newsmen at the meeting of the Airports Council International, African region, holding in Morocco.

According to a statement by the FAAN General Manager, Corporate Communications Yakubu Datti, “Mr. Uriesi who spoke passionately on the remodeling project going on in Nigeria said aviation holds the key to enormous opportunities for massive economic growth and development in the region.

He elaborated on the designation of airports as regional hubs to maximize their potentials and that the development of cargo ports is aimed at opening up the country to benefit from its full potential as an Agro-allied economy.

According to the MD, “the obstacle removing leadership provided by the Nigerian Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah has re-positioned the country as a serious global player ready to occupy its pride of place”.

He said the conference falls within the framework of the initiative launched by ICAO and ACI to promote safety and has allowed stakeholders to contribute proactively to the requirements of a safe and secure air transportation system. Furthermore, the conference is meant to sensitize participants on the importance of runway safety and the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders in the air transport chain.

The statement also noted that 2 directors from FAAN, Capt Henry Omeogu and Hajia Salamatu Eluma, in their presentations gave useful insights to progress made in FAAN and Nigeria in general. Mr Peter Onyeri while delivering a paper on runway safety, enumerated on the efforts and strategies for a sustainable safety in the African sub region.

The ACI Africa which is referred to as the voice of African airports leads represents and serves the African airport community, has membership of 50 African countries in the sub region.

The conference was supported by major industry players namely, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers’ association (IFATCA), the Civic Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), the Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) and other organizations of the air transport industry.

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a British Airways aircraft due to operational reasons.

The Acting Director-General Dr. Joyce Nkemakolam, in a message to newsmen said that the aircraft had a snag.

“The airline notified NCAA and it was grounded" she said.

The Country Manager, British Airways Kola Olayinka, confirmed the development in a press statement released on Monday in Lagos.

The statement released by Chidiebere Onuorha says British Airways confirms that its Abuja-London flight was stopped due to operational reasons and at the moment, the parts to fix the problem are being flown from London  Monday night and the flight will operate Tuesday to new timings.

All British Airways passengers have been looked after according to our Operational Standard Procedures the statement noted. “British Airways flight 083 scheduled to depart London tonight is operating normally,” the statement said.

The aircraft was said to be scheduled for London from Abuja when the technical snag was discovered leading the airline to disembark its passengers.

Reports says the British Airways flight to London was preparing to take off when the right engine of the plane stopped working while passengers were all boarded.

NCAA grounds British Airways flight


Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded a British Airways aircraft due to operational reasons.

The Acting Director-General Dr. Joyce Nkemakolam, in a message to newsmen said that the aircraft had a snag.

“The airline notified NCAA and it was grounded" she said.

The Country Manager, British Airways Kola Olayinka, confirmed the development in a press statement released on Monday in Lagos.

The statement released by Chidiebere Onuorha says British Airways confirms that its Abuja-London flight was stopped due to operational reasons and at the moment, the parts to fix the problem are being flown from London  Monday night and the flight will operate Tuesday to new timings.

All British Airways passengers have been looked after according to our Operational Standard Procedures the statement noted. “British Airways flight 083 scheduled to depart London tonight is operating normally,” the statement said.

The aircraft was said to be scheduled for London from Abuja when the technical snag was discovered leading the airline to disembark its passengers.

Reports says the British Airways flight to London was preparing to take off when the right engine of the plane stopped working while passengers were all boarded.
Aviation Nigeria


The Jigawa Government announced during the week that Muslim pilgrims from the state for the 2013 hajj in Saudi Arabia would be transported from the state’s multi-million Naira airport being constructed in Dutse.

Gov. Sule Lamido said this in Dutse while inspecting the project along with members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries.

He said in spite of criticisms by some members of the opposition, the airport would boost economic activities in the state.

Lamido said apart from this, the airport would also attract new investors to the state.

The airport is scheduled to be completed before the official beginning of hajj operations.  (NAN)

Dutse Airport to transport Muslim pilgrims for 2013 Hajj

Aviation Nigeria


The Jigawa Government announced during the week that Muslim pilgrims from the state for the 2013 hajj in Saudi Arabia would be transported from the state’s multi-million Naira airport being constructed in Dutse.

Gov. Sule Lamido said this in Dutse while inspecting the project along with members of the State Executive Council and other top government functionaries.

He said in spite of criticisms by some members of the opposition, the airport would boost economic activities in the state.

Lamido said apart from this, the airport would also attract new investors to the state.

The airport is scheduled to be completed before the official beginning of hajj operations.  (NAN)

Saturday 13 April 2013


Aviation Nigeria

An Indonesian aircraft belonging to Lion Air overshot a runway while landing at Bali International Airport on Saturday and ended up in water, officials said.

The Lion Air Boeing 737 jet overshot the runway as it came into land at Denpasar airport on the Indonesian resort island

About 100 people were on board, Indonesian Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan said. He said everyone survived, but about 50 passengers were hospitalized.

Mangindaan said he did not know the conditions of those hospitalized.

It was not immediately clear how many people were injured or what the nationalities of the passengers were.

Bali is a hugely popular holiday destination, welcoming millions of foreign tourists from around the world every year.

Indonesian Plane Overshoots Runway, crashes into the ocean


Aviation Nigeria

An Indonesian aircraft belonging to Lion Air overshot a runway while landing at Bali International Airport on Saturday and ended up in water, officials said.

The Lion Air Boeing 737 jet overshot the runway as it came into land at Denpasar airport on the Indonesian resort island

About 100 people were on board, Indonesian Transportation Minister E.E. Mangindaan said. He said everyone survived, but about 50 passengers were hospitalized.

Mangindaan said he did not know the conditions of those hospitalized.

It was not immediately clear how many people were injured or what the nationalities of the passengers were.

Bali is a hugely popular holiday destination, welcoming millions of foreign tourists from around the world every year.

Friday 12 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


Staffs of the Murtala Muhammed Airport School, Ikeja Friday expressed gratitude over the termination of a lease agreement between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and have also called for the development of school infrastructure.

A staff of the school, Mr Adeleke Badmus speaking to reporters as a representative described the lease agreement as an illegal acquisition of the land, adding that this had made it very difficult for the school to expand its secondary school section.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had terminated a lease agreement granted to Bi-Courtney for the construction of a four-star hotel and conference centre at the local wing of the airport, due to the company’s inability to complete the project as agreed.

The space according to Adeleke was initially set aside to build a secondary school by the agency is still largely undeveloped and staffs of the school have called for further development.

MMA Airport School Lagos call for continuation of secondary school project

Aviation Nigeria


Staffs of the Murtala Muhammed Airport School, Ikeja Friday expressed gratitude over the termination of a lease agreement between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and have also called for the development of school infrastructure.

A staff of the school, Mr Adeleke Badmus speaking to reporters as a representative described the lease agreement as an illegal acquisition of the land, adding that this had made it very difficult for the school to expand its secondary school section.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria had terminated a lease agreement granted to Bi-Courtney for the construction of a four-star hotel and conference centre at the local wing of the airport, due to the company’s inability to complete the project as agreed.

The space according to Adeleke was initially set aside to build a secondary school by the agency is still largely undeveloped and staffs of the school have called for further development.

Aviation Nigeria


The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has called on aviation stake-holders to increase their efforts to standardize and harmonize aviation training in Africa.

The Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation George Ossi Ahamefula made this call at a 3-Day  Association of African Aviation Training Organizations  (AATO) Constitutive Assembly.

The conference, had the theme, Committed to the provision and sustain-ability of Aviation training excellence in Africa.

Oduah said that Africa Aviation depends greatly on AATO in accessing current global market information as regards and supplies of manpower capacity in Africa.

She also highlighted that scarcity of funds have hindered the development of training centers in the continent.

Also speaking, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria and host of the AATO, Capt. Chinyere Kalu, gave assurances that efforts toward making the NCAT one of the best in the world were on course.

The formation of the organization aims to promote optimal development, harmonization and standardization of aviation training in Africa.

Stella Oduah calls for Standardization & Harmonization of Aviation Colleges in Africa

Aviation Nigeria


The Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, has called on aviation stake-holders to increase their efforts to standardize and harmonize aviation training in Africa.

The Minister was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation George Ossi Ahamefula made this call at a 3-Day  Association of African Aviation Training Organizations  (AATO) Constitutive Assembly.

The conference, had the theme, Committed to the provision and sustain-ability of Aviation training excellence in Africa.

Oduah said that Africa Aviation depends greatly on AATO in accessing current global market information as regards and supplies of manpower capacity in Africa.

She also highlighted that scarcity of funds have hindered the development of training centers in the continent.

Also speaking, Rector of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria and host of the AATO, Capt. Chinyere Kalu, gave assurances that efforts toward making the NCAT one of the best in the world were on course.

The formation of the organization aims to promote optimal development, harmonization and standardization of aviation training in Africa.

Thursday 11 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


Officials of the security unit of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have arrested no fewer than eight illegal Bureau de Change operators at the nation’s flagship airport.

The development came barely one month after daredevil robbers attacked some BDCs operators at the airport and carted away millions of naira. The robbery also led to the death of two policemen.

However, the Lagos State Police Command last week paraded seven suspects arrested in connection with the robbery.

The Public Relations Officer, MMIA, Mr. Victor Arisa, told journalists on Wednesday that the arrest of the eight illegal BDC operators was part of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s efforts to rid the airport of un-authorized activities.

According to him, the suspects were arrested between April 2 and 8, 2013 and have been handed over to the police for prosecution.

Arisa said, “In our continued effort at MMIA to rid the airport of illegal Bureau de Change operators, in April, the second day of the month, we arrested two people, Saidu Haruna and Lasi Yusuf, and after preliminary investigations, both have been handed over to the police for prosecution.”

Source: PUNCH

MMIA security operatives arrest eight illegal forex traders

Aviation Nigeria


Officials of the security unit of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, have arrested no fewer than eight illegal Bureau de Change operators at the nation’s flagship airport.

The development came barely one month after daredevil robbers attacked some BDCs operators at the airport and carted away millions of naira. The robbery also led to the death of two policemen.

However, the Lagos State Police Command last week paraded seven suspects arrested in connection with the robbery.

The Public Relations Officer, MMIA, Mr. Victor Arisa, told journalists on Wednesday that the arrest of the eight illegal BDC operators was part of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria’s efforts to rid the airport of un-authorized activities.

According to him, the suspects were arrested between April 2 and 8, 2013 and have been handed over to the police for prosecution.

Arisa said, “In our continued effort at MMIA to rid the airport of illegal Bureau de Change operators, in April, the second day of the month, we arrested two people, Saidu Haruna and Lasi Yusuf, and after preliminary investigations, both have been handed over to the police for prosecution.”

Source: PUNCH
Aviation Nigeria


Nigeria has been nominated by the executive of the Civil Air Navigation Organisation in Africa to host its first regional conference.

The conference billed for Abuja, is to hold between October 7 and October 11, 2013.

This was disclosed in Lagos on Thursday by the Regional Director, Africa Affairs, Ms. Boni Dibante, when she paid a visit to the headquarters of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency in Lagos.

The conference, which is intended to review air navigation safety globally, especially in Africa, will also chart the way forward for aviation safety as well as develop strategies for improvement.

A statement from the NAMA quoted Dibante as describing the forthcoming event as historic, being the first to be organised by the newly established CANSO Africa Regional Office.

He urged NAMA leadership to strive towards a successful outing.

Participants at the conference would be drawn from the 11 African members, other global members as well as ICAO and industry regulators around the world, he said.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, commended Dibante for “doing a great job with CANSO in Africa by creating awareness and ensuring that safety regulations are adhered to within the continent.”

Source: PUNCH

Nigeria to host African Aviation Conference

Aviation Nigeria


Nigeria has been nominated by the executive of the Civil Air Navigation Organisation in Africa to host its first regional conference.

The conference billed for Abuja, is to hold between October 7 and October 11, 2013.

This was disclosed in Lagos on Thursday by the Regional Director, Africa Affairs, Ms. Boni Dibante, when she paid a visit to the headquarters of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency in Lagos.

The conference, which is intended to review air navigation safety globally, especially in Africa, will also chart the way forward for aviation safety as well as develop strategies for improvement.

A statement from the NAMA quoted Dibante as describing the forthcoming event as historic, being the first to be organised by the newly established CANSO Africa Regional Office.

He urged NAMA leadership to strive towards a successful outing.

Participants at the conference would be drawn from the 11 African members, other global members as well as ICAO and industry regulators around the world, he said.

The Managing Director of NAMA, Mr. Nnamdi Udoh, commended Dibante for “doing a great job with CANSO in Africa by creating awareness and ensuring that safety regulations are adhered to within the continent.”

Source: PUNCH

Aviation Nigeria

Regional Manager South-West of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Edward Olarerin, has expressed dismay over criticisms from certain quarters regarding the ongoing renovations at airports nation-wide.

Olalerin lamented the rave of critics who have continued to use several channels to criticize developments in the airports in the ongoing aviation transformation agenda.

"You don’t just criticize for the sake of criticism,” Olarerin said

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) had earlier carried out a customer service survey to sample opinions on developments implemented by renovations which were taking place at the airports and the results of this indicated that patronage and usage were on the increase.

A passenger who was part of the survey expressed her opinions as thus: "I have come to understand that people look at everything you do from sectional interest and religion. No matter what you do people who feel that you don’t belong to their religion or that you don’t belong to their tribe will always run you down, and that is why it will be difficult for us to be one united nation.”

“What we have on ground is good. We have massive development going on, from the terminals to the cargo shed. Work is going on everywhere. A lot of changes have taken place, what else do they want? I don’t believe in eye service; I say things as they are" Olalerin also added

Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo noted recently that the rehabilitated airports have improved passenger facilitation and are attracting more people to travel by air.

“The airports were horrible before now but as all can observe, there is airport modernization going on. Take Lagos for instance, the old domestic terminal (General Aviation Terminal); look at the great difference that has been achieved. The desire to travel has increased. Airlines are now getting more patronage. By improving the airports, you have improved the airlines,” Boyo stated.

Don't Criticize for the sake of criticism - Olalerin


Aviation Nigeria

Regional Manager South-West of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Edward Olarerin, has expressed dismay over criticisms from certain quarters regarding the ongoing renovations at airports nation-wide.

Olalerin lamented the rave of critics who have continued to use several channels to criticize developments in the airports in the ongoing aviation transformation agenda.

"You don’t just criticize for the sake of criticism,” Olarerin said

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) had earlier carried out a customer service survey to sample opinions on developments implemented by renovations which were taking place at the airports and the results of this indicated that patronage and usage were on the increase.

A passenger who was part of the survey expressed her opinions as thus: "I have come to understand that people look at everything you do from sectional interest and religion. No matter what you do people who feel that you don’t belong to their religion or that you don’t belong to their tribe will always run you down, and that is why it will be difficult for us to be one united nation.”

“What we have on ground is good. We have massive development going on, from the terminals to the cargo shed. Work is going on everywhere. A lot of changes have taken place, what else do they want? I don’t believe in eye service; I say things as they are" Olalerin also added

Chief Executive Officer of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo noted recently that the rehabilitated airports have improved passenger facilitation and are attracting more people to travel by air.

“The airports were horrible before now but as all can observe, there is airport modernization going on. Take Lagos for instance, the old domestic terminal (General Aviation Terminal); look at the great difference that has been achieved. The desire to travel has increased. Airlines are now getting more patronage. By improving the airports, you have improved the airlines,” Boyo stated.

Wednesday 10 April 2013


Aviation Nigeria

The Sifax Group, the parent company of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, said it has invested over N20bn in ground handling equipment since the acquisition of the company over three years ago.

A Board Member of the company, Mr. Kayode Filani disclosed this yesterday during the unveiling of new ground handling equipment for SAHCOL.

According to Filani, with the acquisition of the equipment, Sifax was determined to take ground handling in the country’s aviation sector to the next level.

Some of the equipment showcased to the media and some stakeholders in the sector yesterday at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos are Commanders 15i JBT Loader, 40i JBT Loader and 30i JBT Loader, which performed different ground handling functions on aircraft ranging from narrow to wide body aircraft.

Filani said that the equipment acquired was the latest of such in the sub-region, stressing that the company would not rest on its oars until ground handling sub-sector in the country was at par with other developed aviation countries in the world.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, SAHCOL, Mr. Oluropo Owolabi said that the purpose of the new ground handling equipment was to provide more efficient services to its numerous clients scattered all over the airports in the country.

Sifax invests over N20bn in SAHCOL in three years


Aviation Nigeria

The Sifax Group, the parent company of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, said it has invested over N20bn in ground handling equipment since the acquisition of the company over three years ago.

A Board Member of the company, Mr. Kayode Filani disclosed this yesterday during the unveiling of new ground handling equipment for SAHCOL.

According to Filani, with the acquisition of the equipment, Sifax was determined to take ground handling in the country’s aviation sector to the next level.

Some of the equipment showcased to the media and some stakeholders in the sector yesterday at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos are Commanders 15i JBT Loader, 40i JBT Loader and 30i JBT Loader, which performed different ground handling functions on aircraft ranging from narrow to wide body aircraft.

Filani said that the equipment acquired was the latest of such in the sub-region, stressing that the company would not rest on its oars until ground handling sub-sector in the country was at par with other developed aviation countries in the world.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, SAHCOL, Mr. Oluropo Owolabi said that the purpose of the new ground handling equipment was to provide more efficient services to its numerous clients scattered all over the airports in the country.
Aviation Nigeria


The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, says that its multi-billion naira Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria, TRACON, equipment spread across the nation’s airports has been confirmed to be of high quality by some industry experts.

The agency through an online statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Supo Atobatele, stated that the safety equipment was lauded by the visiting members of the Aviation Round Table, ART, who toured the Lagos Airport site of the equipment over the weekend.

According to him, ART led by its Secretary-General, Mr. Sam Akerele who was also once a member of staff of the agency, stated that what NAMA had in various airports at the moment was complete safety equipment, which would go a long way in boosting safety in the airspace.

Akerele reportedly said, “What we have now is a complete radical departure from the past. The new radar is a good thing to happen to this generation as we can see that flights are properly vectored by the controllers without stress.”

The statement stated that comments by some stakeholders on the effectiveness of the radar had rather been speculative as they lacked the technical knowledge on the workings of TRACON.

He stressed that the visit of ART members to the site was to educate some stakeholders who have consistently dismissed the scheme as a mere terminal radar, stressing that the radar covers even beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Akerele reportedly said that the visit of the professional association became necessary following embarrassing comments to the media by some stakeholders who have not been privileged to visit TRACON and may not know how the radar works.

Source: National Mirror

Experts laud NAMA’s TRACON

Aviation Nigeria


The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, NAMA, says that its multi-billion naira Total Radar Coverage of Nigeria, TRACON, equipment spread across the nation’s airports has been confirmed to be of high quality by some industry experts.

The agency through an online statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mr. Supo Atobatele, stated that the safety equipment was lauded by the visiting members of the Aviation Round Table, ART, who toured the Lagos Airport site of the equipment over the weekend.

According to him, ART led by its Secretary-General, Mr. Sam Akerele who was also once a member of staff of the agency, stated that what NAMA had in various airports at the moment was complete safety equipment, which would go a long way in boosting safety in the airspace.

Akerele reportedly said, “What we have now is a complete radical departure from the past. The new radar is a good thing to happen to this generation as we can see that flights are properly vectored by the controllers without stress.”

The statement stated that comments by some stakeholders on the effectiveness of the radar had rather been speculative as they lacked the technical knowledge on the workings of TRACON.

He stressed that the visit of ART members to the site was to educate some stakeholders who have consistently dismissed the scheme as a mere terminal radar, stressing that the radar covers even beyond the shores of Nigeria.

Akerele reportedly said that the visit of the professional association became necessary following embarrassing comments to the media by some stakeholders who have not been privileged to visit TRACON and may not know how the radar works.

Source: National Mirror

Aviation Nigeria


The Managing Director of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo, has listed wrong selection of aircraft and high equipment financing cost as some of reasons responsible for high rate of airline casualty in Nigeria.

Boyo, who also enumerated the way forward for the aviation sector, however said that current airline operators were already changing their strategies in order to put an end to high rate of airline bankruptcy in the country.

He spoke at a news conference organised by the airline and ATR, a France-based aircraft manufacturing company.

He said, “I would say that wisdom is just beginning to come into the aviation industry in Nigeria. Professionalism has finally arrived. We realised that the Boeing made products and other types of medium range aircraft are not really suited for the sector we have in Nigeria. Aircraft are designed for a purpose: we have long haul planes, medium haul planes, short haul planes, and we have special mission aircraft.

“There was a misfit in selection of aircraft by Nigerian operators of the past, whereby someone acquired a medium haul aircraft and used it for a short haul operation or a long haul aircraft and used it for a short haul operation. There is no way you can make money as an operator that way. And many things we do in life, if we use the right equipment for the right purpose, you will achieve success. If you use the wrong equipment, the economics will not work. And that was one of the reasons that accounted for airlines failure in Nigeria in the past.”

The Oveland boss further noted that the problem of high financing cost of aircraft was not peculiar to Nigeria but Africa in general.

According to him, there is a lower aircraft financing cost in Europe and other advanced nations.

On the recent controversy over the safety of old planes, Boyo said aircraft were measured by their airworthiness, and not by the age.

He said some “political or commercial players tried to take advantage of the sensitivity of Nigerians to say no new aircraft is safe.

“Aircraft of various ages continue to operate all over the world and the same Nigerians travel out and go into them. It is the state of airworthiness of an aircraft, not the age. Every aircraft has service life. And they have price mark, and you draw the graph; any aircraft that is beyond any particular price mark will not be economical to operate. But typically, you take it back and forth until you cannot pay your debts.

“You discover that most airlines end in debts. They don’t pay the airport authorities, they don’t pay civil aviation authorities and they retard the growth of aviation in their country, even in Nigeria.”

Comparing the effectiveness of various aircraft, Boyo said, “The media has always said that something is wrong somewhere. Use the right equipment.  One cycle is measured by one take off and one landing. One cycle by an ATR-72 plane on Lagos-Abuja route is the same a Boeing 737 will use. It is the same cycle an Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 will use on the Lagos-Abuja route. One cycle of ATR will cost you about $2,000; one cycle of Boeing 737 will cost you about $7,500 to $8,000. A cycle of Boeing 747 will probably cost about $12,000 to $14,000.”

“This has to do with what you have to programme for maintenance, fuel etc. You realise that if you use the wrong equipment, you will generate revenue but that revenue will not survive the cost. 80 per cent of the distance within Nigeria today is less than 300 nautical miles. The longest route within Nigeria is Lagos to Maiduguri. And even that distance, you can still do it with a turbo prop.”
http://goo.gl/dohpx

Sifax invests over N20bn in SAHCOL in three years
The Sifax Group, the parent company of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, said it has invested over N20bn in ground handling equipment since the acquisition of the company over three years ago.

A Board Member of the company, Mr. Kayode Filani disclosed this yesterday during the unveiling of new ground handling equipment for SAHCOL.

According to Filani, with the acquisition of the equipment, Sifax was determined to take ground handling in the country’s aviation sector to the next level.

Some of the equipment showcased to the media and some stakeholders in the sector yesterday at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos are Commanders 15i JBT Loader, 40i JBT Loader and 30i JBT Loader, which performed different ground handling functions on aircraft ranging from narrow to wide body aircraft.

Filani said that the equipment acquired was the latest of such in the sub-region, stressing that the company would not rest on its oars until ground handling sub-sector in the country was at par with other developed aviation countries in the world.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, SAHCOL, Mr. Oluropo Owolabi said that the purpose of the new ground handling equipment was to provide more efficient services to its numerous clients scattered all over the airports in the country.

Source: PUNCH

Why many Nigerian airlines have gone under - Boyo

Aviation Nigeria


The Managing Director of Overland Airways, Captain Edward Boyo, has listed wrong selection of aircraft and high equipment financing cost as some of reasons responsible for high rate of airline casualty in Nigeria.

Boyo, who also enumerated the way forward for the aviation sector, however said that current airline operators were already changing their strategies in order to put an end to high rate of airline bankruptcy in the country.

He spoke at a news conference organised by the airline and ATR, a France-based aircraft manufacturing company.

He said, “I would say that wisdom is just beginning to come into the aviation industry in Nigeria. Professionalism has finally arrived. We realised that the Boeing made products and other types of medium range aircraft are not really suited for the sector we have in Nigeria. Aircraft are designed for a purpose: we have long haul planes, medium haul planes, short haul planes, and we have special mission aircraft.

“There was a misfit in selection of aircraft by Nigerian operators of the past, whereby someone acquired a medium haul aircraft and used it for a short haul operation or a long haul aircraft and used it for a short haul operation. There is no way you can make money as an operator that way. And many things we do in life, if we use the right equipment for the right purpose, you will achieve success. If you use the wrong equipment, the economics will not work. And that was one of the reasons that accounted for airlines failure in Nigeria in the past.”

The Oveland boss further noted that the problem of high financing cost of aircraft was not peculiar to Nigeria but Africa in general.

According to him, there is a lower aircraft financing cost in Europe and other advanced nations.

On the recent controversy over the safety of old planes, Boyo said aircraft were measured by their airworthiness, and not by the age.

He said some “political or commercial players tried to take advantage of the sensitivity of Nigerians to say no new aircraft is safe.

“Aircraft of various ages continue to operate all over the world and the same Nigerians travel out and go into them. It is the state of airworthiness of an aircraft, not the age. Every aircraft has service life. And they have price mark, and you draw the graph; any aircraft that is beyond any particular price mark will not be economical to operate. But typically, you take it back and forth until you cannot pay your debts.

“You discover that most airlines end in debts. They don’t pay the airport authorities, they don’t pay civil aviation authorities and they retard the growth of aviation in their country, even in Nigeria.”

Comparing the effectiveness of various aircraft, Boyo said, “The media has always said that something is wrong somewhere. Use the right equipment.  One cycle is measured by one take off and one landing. One cycle by an ATR-72 plane on Lagos-Abuja route is the same a Boeing 737 will use. It is the same cycle an Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 will use on the Lagos-Abuja route. One cycle of ATR will cost you about $2,000; one cycle of Boeing 737 will cost you about $7,500 to $8,000. A cycle of Boeing 747 will probably cost about $12,000 to $14,000.”

“This has to do with what you have to programme for maintenance, fuel etc. You realise that if you use the wrong equipment, you will generate revenue but that revenue will not survive the cost. 80 per cent of the distance within Nigeria today is less than 300 nautical miles. The longest route within Nigeria is Lagos to Maiduguri. And even that distance, you can still do it with a turbo prop.”
http://goo.gl/dohpx

Sifax invests over N20bn in SAHCOL in three years
The Sifax Group, the parent company of the Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited, SAHCOL, said it has invested over N20bn in ground handling equipment since the acquisition of the company over three years ago.

A Board Member of the company, Mr. Kayode Filani disclosed this yesterday during the unveiling of new ground handling equipment for SAHCOL.

According to Filani, with the acquisition of the equipment, Sifax was determined to take ground handling in the country’s aviation sector to the next level.

Some of the equipment showcased to the media and some stakeholders in the sector yesterday at the Murtala Mohammed Airport, MMA, Lagos are Commanders 15i JBT Loader, 40i JBT Loader and 30i JBT Loader, which performed different ground handling functions on aircraft ranging from narrow to wide body aircraft.

Filani said that the equipment acquired was the latest of such in the sub-region, stressing that the company would not rest on its oars until ground handling sub-sector in the country was at par with other developed aviation countries in the world.

Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director, SAHCOL, Mr. Oluropo Owolabi said that the purpose of the new ground handling equipment was to provide more efficient services to its numerous clients scattered all over the airports in the country.

Source: PUNCH

Tuesday 9 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


Inter-BAU Construction Limited, the contractor handling the re-modelling of the Port Harcourt Airport Terminal has said that the first phase of work in the terminal building will be completed this April.

Chairman of the Company, Sir Nath Okechukwu, who spoke in Lagos after returning from an inspection of the airport said his firm were certain to complete the project in due time, as they had been handling construction for the Federal Airport Authority Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for about 20 years.

“The Port Harcourt Airport terminal re-modelling and expansion are in phases. There is phase one and there is also phase two. For the first one we hope to round off by the end of April that is the time lag we have given and we hope to stick to it” Okechukwu said.

Speaking on the challenges faced Okechukwu stressed the need for quality service delivery and the tripartite arrangement involving the contractor, consultant and client as being sometimes complicated.

He however gave assurances that the re-modelling and reconstruction project will be carried out in due time.

First Phase of Port Harcourt Airport to be completed in April

Aviation Nigeria


Inter-BAU Construction Limited, the contractor handling the re-modelling of the Port Harcourt Airport Terminal has said that the first phase of work in the terminal building will be completed this April.

Chairman of the Company, Sir Nath Okechukwu, who spoke in Lagos after returning from an inspection of the airport said his firm were certain to complete the project in due time, as they had been handling construction for the Federal Airport Authority Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) for about 20 years.

“The Port Harcourt Airport terminal re-modelling and expansion are in phases. There is phase one and there is also phase two. For the first one we hope to round off by the end of April that is the time lag we have given and we hope to stick to it” Okechukwu said.

Speaking on the challenges faced Okechukwu stressed the need for quality service delivery and the tripartite arrangement involving the contractor, consultant and client as being sometimes complicated.

He however gave assurances that the re-modelling and reconstruction project will be carried out in due time.
Aviation Nigeria


Arik Air maintains its commitment to re-build its aircraft maintenance hangar in Lagos in partnership with Lufthansa Technik.

Last month a statement issued by the Arik Head of Communication, Mr Ola Adebanji in Lagos quoted the Chairman of Arik Air, Mr Joseph Arumei-Ikhide who said the partnership would also include the
Boeing Company as well as Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer.

Ikhide also said when completed, the hangar would not only carry out major repairs of Arik aircraft, but other new generation aircraft in the fleet of other domestic airlines in the country, calling on the FG to  consider acquiring the Bombardier aircraft type for domestic operators in lieu of its proposal to acquire new aircraft for domestic operations in the country.

Mr Pierre Beaudoin, the President of Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, said in the statement that the two companies started the partnership from the onset.

ARIK remain committed to build Lagos Hangar

Aviation Nigeria


Arik Air maintains its commitment to re-build its aircraft maintenance hangar in Lagos in partnership with Lufthansa Technik.

Last month a statement issued by the Arik Head of Communication, Mr Ola Adebanji in Lagos quoted the Chairman of Arik Air, Mr Joseph Arumei-Ikhide who said the partnership would also include the
Boeing Company as well as Bombardier, the Canadian aircraft manufacturer.

Ikhide also said when completed, the hangar would not only carry out major repairs of Arik aircraft, but other new generation aircraft in the fleet of other domestic airlines in the country, calling on the FG to  consider acquiring the Bombardier aircraft type for domestic operators in lieu of its proposal to acquire new aircraft for domestic operations in the country.

Mr Pierre Beaudoin, the President of Canadian aircraft manufacturer, Bombardier, said in the statement that the two companies started the partnership from the onset.
Aviation Nigeria

The Kano State Government has opted to allocate funds for training 100 Nigerian graduates as pilots in Jordan.

Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano announced the plan at a send-off for the trainees,  adding that this comes at a cost of nearly N10.7 million on each student.

The gesture according to Kwankwaso was part of the government’s determination to empower the people and make them self-reliant.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of their families, the state and the country.

"To whom much as given, much is expected. The state government has spent a lot on you and you should give the best back."

"Do not use the opportunity to afterwards to steal from government and deprive the people of their rights,’’ he said.

In an address, a former Presidential Adviser on Aviation, Capt. Shehu Iyal, urged the beneficiaries to use the training as a way of improving the aviation sector of the country.

The students will spend 18 month at the Mideast Aviation Academy in Jordan.

Kano state to train 100 Nigerian pilots

Aviation Nigeria

The Kano State Government has opted to allocate funds for training 100 Nigerian graduates as pilots in Jordan.

Gov. Rabiu Kwankwaso of Kano announced the plan at a send-off for the trainees,  adding that this comes at a cost of nearly N10.7 million on each student.

The gesture according to Kwankwaso was part of the government’s determination to empower the people and make them self-reliant.

The governor urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of their families, the state and the country.

"To whom much as given, much is expected. The state government has spent a lot on you and you should give the best back."

"Do not use the opportunity to afterwards to steal from government and deprive the people of their rights,’’ he said.

In an address, a former Presidential Adviser on Aviation, Capt. Shehu Iyal, urged the beneficiaries to use the training as a way of improving the aviation sector of the country.

The students will spend 18 month at the Mideast Aviation Academy in Jordan.

Wednesday 3 April 2013

Aviation Nigeria


Aviation stakeholders have raised concerns on the circumstance that may face foreign airlines flying into Nigeria as they are yet to have their summer schedule approved, five days after the commencement of the summer season on March 28, 2013.

Aviation experts opine that the international position would deem flights into other countries without getting approval for its winter and summer seasonal schedules from the host countries, would be considered illegal.

The development has also generated concerns among the foreign airlines’ executives and top officials of the Ministry of Aviation, who felt that any further delay might force some of the carriers to consider halting their flight operations into the country so as not to find themselves in an unpleasant situation.

Reports indicate that most of the airlines’ winter schedules expired between March 28 and 31, as regularly placed on each carrier’s schedule.

The approval is usually given days ahead of the expiration of the current season’s schedule in order to avoid a situation where an airline has to ground its flight operations while waiting for approval.
Although most of the foreign airlines have begun implementing their winter schedule, which has yet to be approved by the Ministry of Aviation, a number of them are, however, worried that the delay in the approval process may put them in an unpleasant situation.

A country manager of one of the foreign airlines, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence because of the sensitive nature of the subject said, “This has not happened in a very long time. So, that is why we are worried. The approval comes usually days ahead of the commencement of the new season’s schedule.”

The financial implications of not getting approval for the schedule before flying is that in the event of a crash or major accident, insurance companies can refuse to pay compensation to the affected airline and its passengers as such flights would be regarded as an illegal.

Approval is conventionally issued by the Minister of Aviation on the recommendations of the Schedule Approval Committee comprising officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ministry of Aviation.

Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Joe Obi, said the Minister of Aviation had not refused to approve the foreign airlines’ summer schedules, adding that they would be approved as soon as possible.

Foreign airlines awaiting winter approval for flights into Nigeria

Aviation Nigeria


Aviation stakeholders have raised concerns on the circumstance that may face foreign airlines flying into Nigeria as they are yet to have their summer schedule approved, five days after the commencement of the summer season on March 28, 2013.

Aviation experts opine that the international position would deem flights into other countries without getting approval for its winter and summer seasonal schedules from the host countries, would be considered illegal.

The development has also generated concerns among the foreign airlines’ executives and top officials of the Ministry of Aviation, who felt that any further delay might force some of the carriers to consider halting their flight operations into the country so as not to find themselves in an unpleasant situation.

Reports indicate that most of the airlines’ winter schedules expired between March 28 and 31, as regularly placed on each carrier’s schedule.

The approval is usually given days ahead of the expiration of the current season’s schedule in order to avoid a situation where an airline has to ground its flight operations while waiting for approval.
Although most of the foreign airlines have begun implementing their winter schedule, which has yet to be approved by the Ministry of Aviation, a number of them are, however, worried that the delay in the approval process may put them in an unpleasant situation.

A country manager of one of the foreign airlines, who spoke to our correspondent in confidence because of the sensitive nature of the subject said, “This has not happened in a very long time. So, that is why we are worried. The approval comes usually days ahead of the commencement of the new season’s schedule.”

The financial implications of not getting approval for the schedule before flying is that in the event of a crash or major accident, insurance companies can refuse to pay compensation to the affected airline and its passengers as such flights would be regarded as an illegal.

Approval is conventionally issued by the Minister of Aviation on the recommendations of the Schedule Approval Committee comprising officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the Ministry of Aviation.

Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Joe Obi, said the Minister of Aviation had not refused to approve the foreign airlines’ summer schedules, adding that they would be approved as soon as possible.

Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology opened its campus at Minna Airport for flight training.

This was done in collaboration with the Niger State Government through an agreement  with NCAT to establish a campus at Minna.

The agreement also indicated that the training campus would station four trainer aircraft.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transport Niger state Alhaji Abdullahi explained that the training commenced with ‘ground school studies’ last year adding that the students are now ready to start ‘flight training with small aircrafts’.

Abdullahi has also called on the public when sighting low level flying aircrafts, as this would bear no risk to the public.

Nigerian College of Aviation Technology opens campus in Minna


Aviation Nigeria

The Nigerian College of Aviation Technology opened its campus at Minna Airport for flight training.

This was done in collaboration with the Niger State Government through an agreement  with NCAT to establish a campus at Minna.

The agreement also indicated that the training campus would station four trainer aircraft.

A statement by the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Transport Niger state Alhaji Abdullahi explained that the training commenced with ‘ground school studies’ last year adding that the students are now ready to start ‘flight training with small aircrafts’.

Abdullahi has also called on the public when sighting low level flying aircrafts, as this would bear no risk to the public.