The Nation Newspaper

Category: Aviation

  • NANTA advocates consolidation for members

    The National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA) has advocated the need for travel agencies in the country to embrace consolidation as it is the practice globally.

    Its National President, Alhaji Aminu Agoha, who made the call  in Lagos, said  if consolidation is properly handled and successfully implemented by  parties, it would not only reposition the parties to face the future challenges but it would  also minimise agency default.

    Agoha said consolidation is in vogue globally, adding that travel agencies cannot be different.

    He spoke at the association’s forum  in Lagos while presenting a paper  with the theme, “Consolidation in the Travel Industry: The Way Forward”

    Agoha emphasised that there is the need for a stronger relationship among members, stressing that it would further help to move the industry forward.

    On the newly-built secretariat, Agoha said it was a dream come true, and it has been the dream of the association to have a building of its own.

    The project, he said, was done on Public-Private Partnership (PPP) basis, which would not have been possible without the collective efforts of members.

    Speaking at the forum, the Country Manager, British Airways, Mr Kola Olayinka, urged NANTA to study what obtained in other climes as it concerns consolidation, noting that with consolidation, the experience of two or three agencies would bring the best out of them.

    On his part, the Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, said  the issue of trust must be critically looked at when considering consolidation as it is the greatest challenge facing business operation in the country.

    He argued that for two parties to consolidate, there must be trust between them ,adding that if trust is not there the business may not last long before it goes under.

    Ms Bunmi Acher of Leadway Assurance Company posited that transparency has very important role to play in the course of travel agencies trying to consolidate.

    NANTA’s  Board of Trustees (BoT), Chairman, Mr Akintunde Akala,  said  travel agents are not responsible for the increase in airfare as being speculated in some quarters.

    Akala posited that sometimes, the taxes are usually more than the basic cost of the ticket, adding that sometimes taxes represent up to 70 per cent. He said: “I am not of that opinion. We can’t and we have no say in that actually. For example,  if you look at your ticket, apart from the basic fare which you pay, all the airlines imposed charges; you pay for security, you pay for fuel, you pay for insurance, you pay all those ones to the airlines, you pay to all the countries you over fly, you pay when you pass through their airports, all these taxes go out of the country to foreign governments. The only thing that remains here apart from the five per cent sales tax which goes to the government and the airport tax which goes to FAAN, everything is on your ticket.

    “Sometimes the taxes are usually more than the basic cost of the ticket. Sometimes taxes can represent 70 per cent of the value you see in your ticket. For example, when you have promos; we say, we have promos $399 or $499 and by the time they come to the final cost, it will come to about N159, 000. So, that is it; agents have nothing to do with the   rise in air fare.”

    On the major challenge, the travel agencies in the country are facing, Akala said  it is unfair competition from their principal, as intending passengers now book online to get cheaper airfare.

    On the cost of NANTA secretariat, he could not give the specific amount, except to say that the association spent a lot of money on the property.

  • How prepared is Nigeria for ICAO audit?

    How prepared is Nigeria for ICAO audit?

    In a few weeks, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) will visit Nigeria to carry out the  Universal Safety Oversight Audit . How prepared is Nigeria for the exercise? Stakeholders and the agencies, analysts submit, must close ranks to ensure Nigeria scales the hurdle, writes KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR

    How prepared  is Nigeria  for the audit of its civil aviation oversight and safety management  system?  This will be known in a few weeks  when the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) arrives  in the country  to  carry out its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP).

    Under the programme, a  country’s aviation system is examined and identified deficiencies corrected.

    In 2006, when a similar audit was carried out, some lapses were identified which  experts say  the  authorities need to close.

    There were  follow-up audits of the Lagos and Abuja airports in 2008 and 2010, which were intended to close the safety and operational deficiencies identified in 2006.

    The  Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), are closing ranks in  providing infrastructure, operational procedures and other safety management measures to ensure that Nigeria scales the hurdle.

    The agency’s cooperation is crucial to improving the audit  conducted  in 2006 which identified   some deficiencies.

    Part of the deficiencies include improved perimeter fencing at airports nationwide, certification of some international airports as well as putting in place of safety management systems in all airport and airline operations.

    Some experts are worried that sufficient infrastructure has not been put in place as it affects airport perimeter fencing, airside and aerodrome safety security with the recurring incidence of stowaway at Nigerian airports.

    But the  NCAA has assured that plans are in place to scale the hurdles of the ICAO’s audit.

    Its Director-General, Captain  Mukhtar  Usman,  said  requisite measures were being put in place for a successful outing.

    Usman said ICAO has written to Nigeria to carry out a safety audit of airports by the second quarter of the year.

    He said: “ICAO will be conducting an aviation safety audit of Nigerian airports by June this year and I want to assure that we are prepared for it.

    “We have already put in place a regime of robust regulations for the audit. This is mandatory because we intend to improve on our safety records. We have started preparing our equipment and manpower to scale through. Even our regulations are being reviewed to bring them in line with modern trends. Nigeria is ready for the audit.

    “The aim of the audit is to ensure that the airports across Nigeria are operating in line with international (best) practices.”

    Usman assured that the country’s airports are safe, despite the recurring incidence of stowaway affirming that such incidents happen across the world.

    NCAA has assured stakeholders and professionals in the country’s aviation industry that it would scale the audit scheduled to commence soon.

    The agency also said all the processes to ensure success in USOAP  are being followed to the letter.

    Besides, NCAA disclosed that plans were underway to certify at least two of the country’s five international airports before the end of this year.

    According to Usman, the regulator is fully prepared for the forthcoming audit, stressing that all the processes to be followed by the regulatory body are judiciously being followed to ensure a successful outing.

    He listed some of the processes to include manpower, assignment of responsibilities and equipment within all the concerned airports.

    He said: “Whatever we need would be made available and this time around, we want to make sure that we perform higher than how we have performed in the past.”

    The last ICAO audit in the industry was in November 2006 where the sector, according to ICAO, scored over 90 per cent in the audit.

    He said: “The ICAO USOAP was established in accordance with strategic objective A3 to conduct aviation safety oversight audits to identify deficiencies and encourage their resolutions by contracting states. The programme is managed by ICAO  Safety Audit Oversight Section.

    “Work has reached advanced stage in those two airports and we hope that sooner than you think, they will be certified.

    ”As you are aware, our industry has gone through ICAO audit before and we did excellently well. Therefore, on the heels of an accident free year 2014, we are primed to excel again.”

    He, however, assured that the regulatory authority would not rest on its oars as during the year, it has been very proactive and a regime of robust regulation is in place.

    “We are fully prepared for the impending audits; NCAA therefore appeals to all stakeholders including the media to join hands with us to ensure a successful audit.

    “I therefore want to assure you that the NCAA has continued to strengthen our regulatory responsibilities and capacity in all areas.

    “Other measures taken by the NCAA are to embark on a specific security audit of the airlines,” he said.

    All airlines have therefore been advised to ensure increased security presence around their aircraft when not in operation. This should be done round the clock, stressing that the  policy of the aviation regulator is to continue to work with all relevant stakeholders in the industry to ensure safe, secure and comfortable flight operations in Nigeria,

    On its part, FAAN said it is prepared for the audit.

    Its spokesman, Mr Yakubu Dati said the authority has put necessary measures in place for a good outing.

    Speaking  on behalf of FAAN’s Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma, he said: ”Our safety and security infrastructure has been reinvigorated and fine tuned. Furthermore, the various airports had embarked on mock drills to ascertain our emergency capabilities. This highly successful drills is also a critical requirement for certification.

    “The authority is recruiting young and vibrant personnel to strengthen  manpower. Training and retraining is also being prioritised in the area of safety.”

    On its part, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) said it is working hard to ensure a good outing for the audit .

    Its  Managing Director,  Mr Ibrahim Abdulsalam said the airspace agency is fully set for the audit.

    Its Acting General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Olajumoke Adetona, said: ”NAMA is preparing hard for the universal safety audit in many ways.  The agency 10 years ago, established a safety management system manned by well-trained safety management systems officers in all its stations across the nation.

    “More safety management system trainings are being planned for this year.

    “All Safety Management Systems Standard Operating Procedures are documented and strictly adhered to, for safe, efficient, effective and economic air navigation services to airspace users through the deployment of new technologies and a dedicated workforce.”

    But, aviation security expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd),said the level of preparedness of Nigeria for the audit would be determined by the response received from the external safety auditors on the documents or records submitted by Nigerian aviation agencies.

    Ojikutu said: ”Are we ready for the ICAO security audit? Our readiness would be based on national aviation security programme, including crisis management for meeting the challenges of global threats and prevailing national threats.

    “The audit ought to cover selected operators including FAAN and domestic airlines. It should look at the training and quality control programmes, the security programmes for access control and screening methods for all persons and vehicles, not only for passengers and staff, but methods of issuing access passes for staff and passengers and for carrying out baggage checks on staff working in restricted areas at the airport.

    “It would also look at marking or remarking security areas, differentiating perimeter fencing from security fencing at airports. Other areas of interest would include airline security programmes which borders on aircraft security programme.

    “Arik Air security programme may be of interest to the auditors as the dominant domestic and international carrier.

    “The auditors would like to know if the airline has reviewed its security programme in collaboration with FAAN in view of recent stowaway incidents. Whether we are ready depends on what documents or records in these areas reveal to the auditors.

    “The auditors would want to know how many times has the NCAA issued security directives to operators for raising the baseline of the approved security programmes.”

    Only last year, Nigeria and 11 other countries were  named countries with effective implementation of safety exceeding global average in a result released by the ICAO, Africa –Indian Ocean (AFI) USOAP.

    ICAO, Director, Air Navigation Bureau, Nancy Graham, said the special AFI USOAP was launched by ICAO in 2005.

  • ‘Right policies’ll drive growth‘

    THE aviation industry will grow, if  the government does the right things,  Accountable Manager of Dana Air  Mr Obi Mbanuzuo has said.

    The absence of business friendly policies, Mbanuzuo said is preventing domestic carriers from breaking even.

    Domestic airlines, he said, were struggling with huge and increasing operating costs to keep float.

    He listed their challenges to include hostile business environment, high cost of aviation fuel, increasing exchange rate, high cost of aircraft lease , high insurance costs, and imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on air transport.

    Mbanuzuo said: ”If the right policies are  put in place by government, the operating environment would make air transport business attractive.

    “Because of unfriendly policies, airlines are unable to recover their costs. Why should airlines pay VAT on tickets, when other modes of transport are exempted? Why can we not achieve local refining of aviation fuel to bring down the price of the product.

    “With airlines paying between 30 and 35 per cent as operating charges , how do you expect airlines to survive?

    “Domestic airlines need intervention from government to keep their operations afloat.

    “We are still studying the content of the proposed airlines stimulus package by the Ministry of Aviation to enable consider if there is need to access it. Above all, domestic airlines want polices that would drive industry growth.”

    Dana Air, he said,  is putting together its aircraft manuals and other operational requirements to scale through the International Operations Safety Audit ( IOSA), carried out by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

    Mbanuzuo said the airline is set to achieve the safety certification before the end of the year.

    He said relevant workshops concern how to close gaps in its operations and operations manual required for the IOSA audit had been completed .

    The Dana Air manager said the audit is relevant to the airline as a safety component which would enable it keep its operations with prescribed international standards as one of the ten airlines selected in Africa to scale the safety certification.

    Part of the steps to be taken according to Mbanuzuo include harmonising  and increasing  its aircraft fleet as well as acquire new aircraft type after completion of the audit .

    He said DANA Air has improved its training capacity by adhering to regulatory training programmes scheduled for pilots, aircraft engineers , cabin crew and flight dispatchers to keep them in touch with global safety requirements.

    The DANA Air manager said about 34 new cabin crew professionals, 10 pilots and 20 aircraft engineers are undergoing training as part of efforts by the airline to reduce dependence on expatriate crew professionals.

    He disclosed that the airline would expand its flight services to different cities in Nigeria in response to passengers’ request after its managers have confirmed feasibility and profitability of such operations.

    He observed that cooperation among domestic carriers should be encouraged as it would enhance passenger convenience, increase airlines’ revenue as well as take care of unscheduled challenges.

  • Developing air transport master plan

    Developing air transport master plan

    Over the last eight months, the Ministry of Aviation has intensified efforts to put  in place  a master plan that would encapsulate policies, programmes and initiatives that are expected to turn around the fortunes of the aviation sector. The move is also expected to make the sector contribute significantly to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product ( GDP),  KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR, reports

    Stakeholders in the aviation industry are struggling to reach an accord on what role a sector master plan could play in the accelerated growth and development of the aviation sector.

    This is so because the contribution of the aviation sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is insignificant.

    With the current GDP of N80.3 trillion or $509.9 billion, Nigeria’s aviation industry contributes a paltry $0.7 billion, which in percentage terms, is about 0.4 per cent.

    Comparatively, the aviation industry contributes 27 per cent to  the  GDP of the United Arab Emirates (UAE); contributes about 2.1 per cent to the South African econom.

    Aviation Minister, Chief Osita Chidoka  has attributed this dismal performance  of the aviation sector to current “gaps” in the system which, he said have hampered growth. “These gaps include: “underfinanced domestic airlines, underutilised bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA ), poor incentives for private sector participation and weak corporate governance in the industry.

    He said this trend has to be reversed.

    As a response mechanism, government is putting in place  strategies to achieve a new industry master plan.

    Aviation experts say  the absence of a formidable sector master plan, which ought to  define how policies, projects, agreements , airport concessions  are implemented accounts largely for the many infractions that have characterised developments in the sector.

    The experts say contentions, controversies and intrigues that have  enveloped the sector in the past few years  is hinged on  the absence of a solid document that should provide a basis on how airport land, concession agreements  and other fundamental issues in the sector are negotiated.

    Towards this end, Chief Chidoka has set in motion the process that would pave the way for the design of a master plan to deepen engagement for players in the sector.

    The master plan, he said would address four key areas which he listed to include: airline operation and safety, aerodrome infrastructure and operation, airspace management, aviation allied services and manpower development.

    According to the minister many things have not worked well in the sector  because of the absence of a working document to provide guide on how operators and regulators should carry out their activities.

    Towards this end, Chidoka last year convoked a stakeholders forum to gather input on the steps to be taken to address  the myriad of challenges confronting the sector.

     

    Stakeholders Forum

     

    Last year, the Aviation Minister last year  met   with industry stakeholders, especially domestic airline operators, service providers and trade unions to gather input on the challenges facing the sector.

    He  promised to take into consideration their advice while drawing up a policy framework to move the industry forward.

    Thus, it is believed that the new Aviation Industry Strategy Framework proposed by the minister is the new springboard to advance the growth of the sector incorporating the interest of key aviation stakeholders.

    At the forum, industry players itemised the litany of issues to urgently addressed by government , which they listed them to include adequate and timely training of technical aviation personnel .

    They said for many years , critical safety personnel including air traffic controllers , engineers , aerodrome safety and fire personnel as well as aviation security have not undergone the requisite training needed for them to be proficient .

    Sequel to the information gathered from the forum the minster has directed aviation agencies to work out a training programme for their personnel in technical areas to ensure their requisite certification is attained in line with global requirements.

     

    He said:” Aviation Commits Initiative is  to complement the infrastructural developments in the Nigerian aviation industry and we want to institutionalise practices that will move the industry to the customer-centric industry.

    We want to make a transition, which we all believe is a difficult one for us to make because we are used to be in a country where the boss calls the shots. If I’m the Managing Director or a Chairman of a company, nobody can talk to me, but we need to bring back the customers to make him the boss. Before now, if the Ministry of Aviation takes a decision, nobody was right to query such decisions.

    If any of the agencies wants to review charges in the industry, they don’t ask stakeholders whether they want it or not. We will just wake up in the morning and announce new charges.”

    Safety and operational Infrastructure

    One of the major planks, the aviation master plan is to address is how to improve safety and security around airports nationwide.

    This experts say would go a long way to attract more investment to the aviation sector .

    To drive this development , government has awarded contracts for the installation of air field lighting systems at 13 airports to enable them  operate  day and night flights .

    Airline operators have consistently complained about their inability to operate flights into some airports due to absence of air field lighting system.

    According to the managing director director of Arik Air, Mr Chris Ndulue airlines were incurring losses on Some domestic routes because their operations are limited due to inadequate air navigation facilities including air field lighting system.

    Ndulue said the fixing of this gap should be considered in the infrastructure upgrade plan of government in its sector master plan.

    Another operator, the chairman of Air Peace , Mr Allen Onyema said though government has done a lot to fix the aviation sector , but it must assist airlines to fly at night at all airports nationwide by providing air field lighting system.

    Onyema said: “Airports all over the world are expected to be safe and secured.  This is based on the fact that the people who use the facility are not only Nigerians, but people from all parts of the world. They also serve as tourists centres.

     

    Revenue automation

     

    Experts say the aviation industry could contribute significantly to the gross domestic product if the relevant structure are put in place to drive such development.

    Towards this end, the ministry of aviation as part of efforts to actualise the proposed aviation master plan has directed all aviation agencies to automate their collection of revenue to checkmate leakages .

    This initiative ,the minister said would ensure that service providers and users comply with global practices in financial transaction to accelerate the growth of the sector .

    Last week, a committee set by the ministry submitted its report on how to drive revenue automation in the sector.

    The  Minister directed the immediate implementation of the Aviation Revenue Automation Project (ARAP) project within  60 days to plug leakages towards making the sector more competitive.

    He said the ministry has thereby approved a review in the cost and charges of the automation system.

    According to him, all aviation agencies were thereby given one week for the implemetation of the project cost and their targets.

    He noted that part of the reasons for the project was to satisfy customers  and guard against frequent delays and cancellations experienced by air travellers at airports across the country.

    “However, it is the aviation industry that is  on trial whenever people witnessed service failure,” he said,

    Chidoka noted that any Chief Executive who fails to comply with the implementation of the project within 60 days would be sanctioned.

    The minister expressed optimism that the implementation of the project would increase the efficiency of workers and stakeholders in the industry.

    He added that it would enable agencies in the aviation industry to deliver higher quality services to the public

    He sad “ “ARAP is aimed at automating all aviation related activities in all the airports in Nigeria to provide revenue assurance for the industry.

    “This project will make the industry a world class provider of safe, secured and comfortable transport services .

    “The project is self-sustaining and pivotal to social economic growth, transforming the sector into an efficient, profitable and preferred mode of transportation,’’

     

    Aviation Service Portal

     

    The drive to attain passenger satisfaction, experts say is one of the key ingredients needed to propel the growth of the aviation sector .

    To ensure that air passengers get satisfactory service, the Aviation Ministry in conjunction with other aviation agencies established one-stop-shop for aviation passengers services, the Aviation Service Portal   for booking flights, monitoring airline flight performances and obtaining information on local destinations.

    The sector- wide initiative  has created  a window  where all stakeholders  committed to improve service delivery to the public.

    The  essence of the portal, the ministry said is to ensure passengers have information about airports in Nigeria, flights ,book their flights with easy first hand, instead of going through  intermediaries.

    For some months, the portal has encouraged airlines to keep to their  flights schedules with considerable delays and cancellation.

    Airline financing / Stimulus package

     

    If domestic airlines must survive to drive the aviation master plan, government experts say  should design stimulus package to keep their operations afloat.

    Nigerian carriers experts say grapple with under financing , lack of corporate governance and untapped regional opportunities.

    It is for this reason that  Chidoka has designed a stimulus plan to assist domestic airlines, as other countries across the globe have done to their carriers .

    The airline sector in Nigeria , the minister said had not been able to close many gaps.

    Chidoka said  several thriving airlines around the world have typically enjoyed or continue to enjoy government financial and material support.

    Citing the United States, Chidoka said  three US airlines—Delta Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines  have received over $40 billion as government subsidies in the past decade.

    Government he said is working  hard to put a package  in place for the growth of the industry.

    According to him, the stimulus plan “would involve a package of financial incentives that will provide support across the aviation value chain.”

     

    Other measures

     

    Government , investigations reveal has not given up on how to fix the problems of the aviation sector.

    As a way out, it has designed a new strategy christened :” The  Nigerian Aviation Industry Strategy Framework and the Economic Stimulus Plan (ESP)“.

    The new plan will target the funding problems of domestic airlines with the mission to ameliorate their challenges.

    The objective of the plan will focus on confronting the financial challenges that have dogged domestic airlines.

    Chidoka said there is need to partner more with private sector players to achieve development of the aviation sector.

    He said: ”We need to rally round to fix the problems of the aviation sector. Many ways to achieve this is to Stimulate increased foreign direct investment in the sector; reduce industry risk and expand credit and aviation finance, tailored to industry requirements; stimulate equity investments through attractive and competitive incentives across the aviation value chain.

    Others are: facilitate government intervention and guarantees to boost industry performance as well as stimulate and facilitate local direct investment in sector.

    The second stage of the action plan that would build on the success of the first one, according to Chidoka, will include  creation of a robust regional hub and aviation city model that drives commercial activities , improve corporate governance and enterprise risk of industry operators; liberalise air space by implementing the Yamaussoukro Declaration; review government intervention model and move to commercial funding.”

     

  • Developing airports into regional hubs

    Developing airports into regional hubs

    Worried by last  November’s survey by a group, The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, which rated three of the nation’s airports among the worst in Africa, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has begun facility and infrastructure upgrade at airports, to transform some terminals into hubs for  West  and Central Africa, writes Aviation Correspondent KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR

    A survey conducted by a group,  The Guide to Sleeping in Airports, has rated Nigerian airports as among the worst in Africa.

    The survey cited inadequate facilities that could deny the airports their push to become hubs for the West African sub region.

    Worried by the parlous rating, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has rolled out series of programmes, including facility and infrastructure upgrade, to close the gaps.

    Part of the reasons for doing this is to use the airports as a catalyst for economic development.

    If some Nigerian airports are developed into a hub, aviation would contribute significantly to the gross domestic product.

    Experts say Nigeria is blessed by geographical location as a hub in Africa, if airport facilities are put in place to drive the process.

    Transforming airports to a hub for  West and Central African regions has remained the main objective of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), its Managing Director, Saleh Dunoma, has said.

    But, such ambition, he said, might not come cheap until requisite airport facilities and infrastructure have attained global standards.

    International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), the global industry regulator, prescribes conditions for achieving a hub status for any airport.

    Part of the criteria include state-of- the-art airport and air navigation facilities, adequate fire cover, airport safety and security, perimeter fencing, airport certification, transit facilities as well as accelerated passenger facilitation.

    Airports are yet to meet all ICAO requirements for hub status. Towards this end, an aggressive programme targeted at improving safety and security procedures at airports, as well as massive facility and infrastructure upgrade is on-going.

    When completed, Nigeria would boast of having two airports designated as hubs for West and Central Africa.

    The drive is part of efforts by the government to consolidate the untapped potential offered by Nigeria’s several air agreements it signed with other countries.

    Dunoma said the authority would continue to rework its strategy to ensure that all requirements set for the pursuit of positioning the airports as hubs in the West Coast and Central African region are met.

    He spoke against the backdrop of his one year anniversary in office, affirming that since he assumed duties as the  helmsman of FAAN, the authority has lined up programmes to overhaul the airports in Nigeria.

    Dunoma, who  was appointed Managing Director of FAAN in March, last year, said there are lots of untapped opportunities for the aviation sector,  especially as it affects the Lagos  International Airport which he said would be positioned as  a hub of aviation in West Africa.

    He said about 15 million passengers are expected to travel through Nigerian airports this year. The growing passenger traffic, he said has made it incumbent for FAAN to improve on airport facilities.

    Statistics of passenger service portal by FAAN showed that about 12 million passengers used the airports last year.

    Experts said that Nigeria is positioned by geography as a hub in Africa, if only the government would put the necessary airport infrastructure in place to attract passenger traffic.

    Part of the airport infrastructure requirement for a  hub status, experts said, is a state-of-the-art passenger terminals, a transit lounge, modern air navigation facilities, quick turn- around time at the airports, as well as safety and security facilities.

    Necessary airport infrastructure would attract more than the 27 international airlines flying into Nigeria, with the attendant increase in economic activities that would contribute significantly to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

     

    Safety and security

    requirements

     

    If the airport authority must achieve its ambition of delivering airports as  hubs for West Africa, experts said FAAN must rework its architecture to improve on safety and security. Part of the efforts they said, must be channeled towards immediate certification of some of its international airport terminals.

    Without airport certification, the experts argued, the pursuit of hub status will remain a mere dream.

    Dunoma said the country would meet the 2015 deadline as set by the International Civil Aviaton Organisation (ICAO), adding that the agency had in 2006 signed an undertaking with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), to certify the country’s international airports.

    He explained that based on the agreement, the country was able to scale through the ICAO Universal Oversight Audit Programme (USOAP), saying that recently, FAAN set up a certification team, which visited some International airports to appraise the requirements for certification.

    He said: “Certification of aerodrome is a means of demonstrating that an organisation has implemented its quality management system appropriately, this includes a third party audit. Quality management at airports ensures safety, security, efficiency, and service, thereby stimulating air traffic and increasing profit.

    “Certification of airports brings about achievement and maintenance of a higher standard level of safety, promotes standardisation and consistency of procedures and operations. Another requirement is airport facilitation,  which requires the minimum time for passengers to complete all airport formalities for transit travels in line with global practices,” he said.

    Dunoma pointed out that the authority is pursuing the certification of at least two international airports in line with the requirements of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), before the end of the year.

    He listed the airports to include Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    According to experts, before an airport could get ICAO certification, it must have full fire cover with adequate fire fighting trucks and other equipment to handle emergencies. Such an airport is also expected to have a comprehensive airport security manual and programme tailored to fit into the standards and recommended practices of ICAO. In addition, the airport must have airport perimeter  and security fencing.

    To ensure that there is tight security at our airports, the Federal Government has deployed advanced technology security systems in airports across the country, and has also put in place a joint military security operation to further secure facilities at the various airports.

    The government has also put in place a 24-hour  surveillance patrol at the five  international airports – Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA), Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA), Kano and Enugu International Airport (EIA).

    Also, the security of airports has been  enhanced, with the introduction of biometric-based access controls at the airports and passenger screening at the five international airports.

    The FAAN boss said: “Thus, to enhance airport security further, various biometric devices and smart cards, are options being considered or implemented across the world. Apart from passenger profiling, the quest to prevent hazardous items and substances from getting on board aircraft is another important concern  in airport security. We are working hard to tackle these challenges.

    We have acquired new security screening equipment, which are very functional and effective. The security agencies are using them. It is not just for aviation security personnel that are  finding them useful,  but other security agencies at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport as well. We are also training our staff so they can be acaquianted  with the new software that came with the equipment.”

     

    Provision of fire cover

     

    Dunoma said in the last one year, the authority has made efforts to address gaps in the airports’ fire fighting requirement with the deployment of more fire tenders to major airports to back up the existing facilities.

    Apart from the deployment of fire trucks, the authority is currently recruiting aviation security and fire fighting personnel to address the manpower gap in such areas.

    ”We have purchased fire tenders and distributed them to all airports across the country in order to beef up our fire fighting capacity. We have also entered into a maintenance agreement with the manufacturers of the  fire tenders, so as to ensure that we optimise the life span and usage of these equipment. We have also trained our staff on the use of these new fire fighting equipment to ensure they perform at optimal levels in the nearest future,” he said.

     

    Terminal security

     

    To achieve the hub status, the airport authority has rolled out new security measures at major airport to checkmate unauthorised movement of persons around the terminal building.

    Ths is in addition to the deployment of close circuit television cameras at operational and non – operational areas around major terminals .

    Dunoma said the airport authority has designed a detailed plan for the review of security architecture for airports nationwide.

    The new security plan, includes the procurement of sophisticated counter terrorism gadgets and effective collaboration among security agencies.

    Chidoka said the presence of such people is giving the nation a bad reputation, even as they remain big security risks around the airport.

     

    Passenger  facilitation

     

    Passenger facilitation experts say is key to attaining hub status for any airport.

    One of the ways of achieving this is through replacement of operational facilities including ultra modern high speed carousels .

    FAAN industry experts say must ensure it addresses challenges associated with erratic performance of its  conveyor at the Lagos International Airport to improve turn around time.

    Dunoma said: “For over 30 years, no serious addition of infrastructure was made at the Lagos International Airport until a few years ago.

    There were lots of complaints from users , passengers and airlines because of malfunctioning airport facilities.

    But, in the last few years, because we want to make the airport a hub for West Africa , government has expanded the D and E wings to increase capacity for passenger facilitation. The check in counters were quadrupled both for arrival and departure formalities . The arrival carousels have been installed and they are larger , faster and better than wahab we had initially.

    We have met the standards for NCAA and ICAO , which requires that any arriving passenger processing time must not exceed 45 minutes.

    Our plan is to proved facilities so that as passenger traffic continues to grow we could proved facilities to cater for this growth in traffic.

    At the end of the day, processing and facilitation at the airports would be better and smoother.

    What you are observing at the airport  is a new terminal which would have departure and processing facilities for international passengers  we also intend to provide transit locations whereby passengers that are coming into Lagos and need to transit to other parts of the country would have a place they would be processed and then moved to their next aircraft.”

     

    Hotel complex

     

    Like is the practice in some airports across the globe hotels are built inside airports to enhance their hub status.

    The rationale for this according to aviation experts is to support passengers who are willing to spend longer time at the airport while on transit flights.

    Dunoma said the airport authority is building a 20 room transit hotel at the international wing of the Lagos Airport to achieve this objective .

    Dunoma said: ”Airports all over the world have hotel facilities.

    We are working hard to provide such facilities at the Lagos Airport.

    It is for passengers that need to wait at the airport for longer time. The ultimate goal is that we ate positioning Lagos Airport as a hub . When it becomes a hub there is the tendency that passengers will wait for may be 16 hours around the airport and would need a hotel facility where they can go in and rest while waiting for their next available flight.

    The hotel is under construction, when completed, it will bring relief to such passengers. We have started with 20 rooms and if the need arises, we would construct more rooms.”

  • Concern over security lax at Lagos cargo terminal

    Concern over security lax at Lagos cargo terminal

    Less than three months after the Federal Government re- opened the Customs bonded warehouse at the cargo terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, over security infractions, stakeholders have expressed fears over laxity of security at the terminal.

    The experts including aviation security consultants, ground handling companies and airport workers, are concerned over unauthorised movement of persons around the export cargo terminals.

    They said if something urgent is done to address the infraction, there could be breach of security in the sensitive area where as unauthorised persons could compromise the safety and security of goods flown in and out of the country.

    The experts who craved anonymity because of the sensitivity of the matter, alleged that the airport authority is not doing enough in restricting access in and out of the cargo complex.

    They said the laxity put up by airport security personnel is at variance with the agreement reached by all stakeholders before the terminal was re-opened last December after a two weeks closure.

    A clearing agent, who identified himself simply as Idris Kanti, said the cargo warehouse has become a fertile ground for people who have no business around the cargo export terminal. He accused the airport security personnel of shirking in their duties of regulating the movement of persons in and around the export terminal.

    A source hinted that the porous nature of the export cargo warehouse may have informed the decision of Nahco Aviance,  one of the ground handling companies to engage the services of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps ( NSCDS) to help protect its facilities and equipment within the terminal.

    “ In fact, we now flag operators and local regulators where we foresee any threat to Aviation Safety or Security and most especially Air Cargo business,” a source in NAHCO said, stressing that operators must collective work together  to ensure that “we never experience any  accident this 2015 and beyond.”

    He said  NAHCO has supported security efforts by directly engaging the services of the NSCDC to further help strengthen airport/ cargo security. “We should  assiduously work together to target Nigeria’s delisting from the list of High-Risk countries by 2017,” the official stated.

    But, the association of clearing licensed agents, has denied any complicity of its members in touting around the export cargo terminal.

    Its chairman, Alloysious Igwe, said its members carry out operations at the export terminal in line with agreed rules of engagement.

    Worried over the trend, an aviation security expert, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd) has called on the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA) to carry out an audit of the registered clearing agents to enable the authority regulate their operations around the airport .

    A source close to one of the ground handling firms said security at the export terminals has worsened since the re-opening of  the cargo warehouses in December, 2014.

    “At that time, there was tight security at the entry points into the terminal.  All visitors were asked to identify themselves by FAAN security officials before entry. There were always long queues of people who were denied entry. There were no hawkers seen. The whole area was neat and decent,” the official said.

    “However, with the passage of time, FAAN has relaxed its guards. Now, there are no more checks of identity cards at the entrance of the terminal. Agents and touts who have no business at the airports mill round daily. Now, there are nall manners of hawkers selling foods and fruits. FAAN look the other way and refused to take steps to remedy the situation.”

    The source said FAAN last year assured the Comptroller-General of Customs that it would increase its manpower in the area of security.

    Said the official: “The increasingly porous security was the reason NAHCO Aviance enlisted the services of armed Civil Defence Corps. But these could only man those areas concessioned to NAHCO, not the general security of the Airport

    “Stakeholders think FAAN is not doing enough. They said the only concern of FAAN is how to levy those who happen to pass by the airport. A worker in the sprawling cargo complex even joked that a time would come when FAAN would start taxing every tree and grass that is unfortunate enough to grow in that area,” the official said.

    But, in a swift reaction, the Director in charge of Cargo Development  at FAAN, Dr Uche  Ofulue, countered, saying the authority is doing its best to ensure improved security at the cargo terminal .

    He said the authority would not look the other way and allow unauthorised persons carry out illegal activities at the cargo terminals .

    The need for improved security, he explained has become imperative because of the quest by government to maximise the potentials of air cargo business in the country, pointing out that this has brought about the designation of some airports as perishable cargo airport by the Federal Government.

    He saidthe Federal Government will support any effort aimed at maximising the potentials in the country’s air cargo sector

    He said: “Some strategic airports in Nigeria such as  Akure, Makurdi, Minna, Abuja, Owerri, Calabar, Ilorin, Jalingo, Jos, Uyo, Kano, Lagos and Port Harcourt have been designated fresh and dry cargo airports, for the direct export of fresh agricultural produce from the surrounding local communities to markets in Europe, the US  and other countries across the world.”

    Meanwhile, Arik  Air, has called on the government to deploy armed policemen at the nation’s airports to tighten security in view of the growing terror threats in the country .

    The airline’s made this known when the new Commissioner of Police, Airport Command, Dorothy Gimba, visited the airline’s headquarters in Lagos.

    The Deputy Managing Director, Captain Ado Sanusi, said to further tighten security at the terminal buildings and the airside, there is need to have armed police officers at these areas, especially at this time when insurgency is threatening peace in the world, forcing various countries to restructure their security systems, including airport security.

    Sanusi said that the presence of armed police officials is necessary in order to checkmate disruptive passengers who overreact when flights are rescheduled or cancelled, adding that cancellation and flight rescheduling are a trend in international air travel, which passengers should be familiar with.

    He assured the new Police boss that Arik Air would continue to support the activities of the Command and gladly respond when called upon to assist.

    “In view of the new security situation in the world, there is need to have armed policemen at the terminal buildings and at the airside of the airport. This will help to tighten security at the airport and to also complement what the Aviation Security (AVSEC) is doing. This has become very important because of the new security threats in the world and even in the country.

    “Arik will continue to support the police and whenever we are called upon we will respond. Police can partner with us in order to fortify security in our operations,” Sanusi said.

    The Commissioner of Police, Gimba expressed appreciation for the support Arik Air has given the Command, saying that the police would continue to expect such support from the airline.

    She observed that the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos is the hub of aviation in the country and therefore records the highest activities in all the airports, adding that she was fast learning the ropes about the sector.

    “I came to make myself known because when you come to a place you ought to make yourself known to the community in which you are to take charge of, and policing the airport is not particularly funny. One needs to pay attention, especially to emerging crimes and security threats all over the world,” Gimba said.

    She commended Arik Air for its engagement of sophisticated security equipment, sniffer dogs and detection devices which she said, assuring that the Command would work with the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to see how they could be utilised.

    “I will study the environment and look at the areas where police presence is needed. Before you can make changes you must understand the system. We commend Arik Air for the operational vehicle it provided us recently. We, on the other hand will also strengthen security in your operations,” she said.

  • Air traffic controllers threaten showdown over poor navigation equipment

    Members of Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association ( NATCA), have threatened to embark on an industrial action next week over the failure by the management of Nigerian Airspace Management Agency ( NAMA) to implement the agreement reached on the Welfare of its members, as well as the failure of the agency to replace ageing air navigation equipment.

    A statement signed by the National Secretary of NATCA, Olawole Banji, said members  will down tools effective March 15, 2015.

    Banji said NATCA will not shift ground on its  resolve to proceed on strike, adding that it has given the NAMA management two weeks to allow for the conclusion of approved process of the proposed harmonised allowances for its members agreed on since January 18, 2015.

    NATCA stressed that it will  embark on the strike following the inability of NAMA management to implement all the agreements reached, saying the Controllers are agitating for improved working conditions, especially the replacement of obsolete equipment at various locations across the country, as well as their welfare enhancement.

    Meanwhile , the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS ), the body charged with the responsibility of generating information to pilots and the public, has also threatened to confront the management of NAMA for playing politics with professional issues in the organisation .

    AIS President , Babatunde Shittu,  said  the management has relegated its members to the background, and make it look as if only NATCA is the professional body in NAMA that is always agitating for improved welfare  without considering other bodies.

    He warned that they will soon kick start their agitation should government fail to carry  them along.

    It said the report of the Harmonisation  Committee clearly demonstrated that Aeronautical Information Services  is not recognised in Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) as a professional body, stating that the   Aeronautical Information Services   is seemingly neglected to the extent that it is hardly carried along in decision making process that directly or indirectly affects it members.

    “We are now appealing to   NAMA Management, to go the extra mile to give AIS smooth landing by meeting the standard set by ICAO.”

    Shittu  called on NAMA to as a matter of urgency train the remaining 122 Aeronautical Information  Officers  in line with International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO requirement to enable them perform their duty optimally.

    He explained that transformation from Aeronautical Information Service to Aeronautical Information Management is imminent , the reason he said has made their training a necessity .

    He lamented the dearth in AIS personnel and the need to address the issue of their professional allowanced and that of the airmen.

  • Naira devaluation: Ground handling firms to hike tariff

    Naira devaluation: Ground handling firms to hike tariff

    The devaluation of the naira may force ground handling companies  to increase cargo tariff for both inbound and outbound goods at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, investigations have revealed.

    The decision to hike cargo tariff by the firms, it was learnt, is hinged in the rising value of the dollar, which is exchanging at the moment for between N210-N225 in the parallel market.

    Among the affected firms are, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company ( NAHCO) Aviance Plc, Skyways Aviation  Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) and Precision Aviation Handling Company Limited ( PAHCOL).

    A source close to one of the firms, said the decision of the firms to increase cargo tariff, flowed from increasing costs of operations being experienced by the ground cargo handling companies, pointing out that such expenses are tied to increased costs of procuring spare parts, acquisition of operational equipment, as well as that of recurrent training overseas .”  They said that new equipment would be bought with the new exchange rate which is heavily tilted against the naira.

    Investigations also revealed that the ground handling companies now pay more for apron passes  which rate was recently increased by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) from N50,000 to N150,000 at the Lagos Airport .

    The source hinted that ground handling companies are groaning under a huge charge regime as FAAN in Port Harcourt now charges over N250,000 per vehicle as apron pass, and in addition, that  major concessionaires are groaning under the yoke of exorbitant charges at the toll gates around the airports.

    It was learnt that the last time ground handling companies increased cargo tariff was about three  years  ago, and since then, the naira has been devalued by more than 150 per cent.

    Ever since, operators have been experiencing steady increment in operating costs , in some instances rising between 150 and 250 per cent .However, the spokesman of NAHCO Aviance,  Tayo Ajakaiye told The Nation that he  could not confirm any plans by ground operators  to increase cargo tariff, saying any plan to that effect, would be done after wide-range consultations with all stakeholders.

    Ajakaye said any information about increase in tariff now should be liken to mere conjecture, until all stakeholders have  been actively engaged.

    He said NAHCO Aviance is operating within industry approved charges, but however noted that ground handling companies are faced with rising operating costs , which have become obvious in the face of the rising exchange rate of the dollar against the local currency.

    He said if there are plans to increase such charges, NAHCO Aviance will carry out constructive industry engagement with relevant stakeholders  before implementing  such plans .

    But, spokesman of SAHCOL, Basil Agboarumi , said he is not aware of any plans by ground handling companies to raise cargo tariff.

    The General Manager, Corporate Communications, SAHCOL said : “ I am not aware of any plans to increase cargo tariff .”

    A source close to one of the firms, who asked not to be named, said : “The plan to increase cargo tariff has reached an advanced stage . This will become clearer this week. That may have informed plans to convoke a cargo summit to achieve stakeholders engagement, where issues concerning the need for operators to make sacrifices for the growth of the industry will be unveiled.”

    The Chief Commercial Officer,  Nahco Aviance, Seyi Adewale, in a statement last  week, said :  “ Air cargo is a major driver of  Nigeria’s economy and  a potential high earner of foreign exchange for the nation, given that earnings from oil exports are on a downward push. There are sacrifices to be made in the days ahead from our estimation and we could all agree to the sacrifices that must be made to assure safety, security and efficiency.

    The fall of naira against the dollar also is  a big issue.  It is now much more expensive to replace new equipment, or buy spare parts. It costs so much more to send staff for overseas training in equipment and applications.  New charges come up almost on daily basis at the airports. These are part of the reasons why ground handling companies want to increase cargo tariff,” he said.

    Last year, FAAN released new charges for airlines, ground handling companies, airline catering outfits in Lagos which were expected to pay N2,000 per square metre as opposed to the old rate of N1,500 per square metre , representing an increase of over 33.33 per cent.

    Ground handling companies, airlines and other service providers in Lagos are expected to pay N60,000 as opposed to  the old rate of N30,000 representing one hundred per cent increase. Also, operators in Lagos, are to pay N150,000 for apron pass as opposed to the old rate of N50,000. In Port Harcourt, ground handling companies , airlines and other operators are being charged N2,000 as ground rent per square metre as opposed to the old rate of N500 per square metre representing three hundred percent increase.

    For Apron pass in Port Harcourt, the affected companies are expected to pay N1.2 million as the new rate as opposed to N250, 000 representing over three hundred and eighty percent increase.

     

  • Chidoka assures on revenue automation project

    Chidoka assures on revenue automation project

    The Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, has assured  that the Aviation Revenue Automation Project (ARAP),  aimed at automating all aviation-related activities at airports will be implemented .

    Chidoka, who gave the assurance when he met with the Chief Executive officers/CEOs of the ministry’s parastatals and agencies in Abuja, said there was no going back on the project.

    He warned that any Chief Executive who fails to comply with the project’s implementation will be seriously sanctioned, stating that ARAP is part of  the transformation agenda of the Federal Government, to assure regularity of revenue in the industry.

    It is also intended to improve  workers’ efficiency in the aviation industry, and enable agencies in the sector deliver higher quality services, he said, adding that it also create a credible data source for the aviation industry.

    He explained  that ARAP is structured and empowered to bring to reality the vision of the aviation industry, which is to make the industry a world Class provider of safe, secured and comfortable transport industry that is self-sustaining and pivotal to social economic growth. It is to transform the sector into an efficient, profitable and preferred mode of transportation.

    Chidoka urged stakeholders to embrace the project and support  the government in taking the sector to the level of meeting international best practices.

    The Minister constituted an inter-agency management committee to see to the success of the project

     

     

  • Operators fault planned recapitalisation for domestic carriers

    Plans by the Federal Government to raise the capital base of domestic carriers has received knocks from experts who described the proposal as  an inappropriate measure in addressing the challenges of airlines .The chairman of Air Peace,  Allen Onyema, said recapitalisation by airlines is not sufficient evidence that the carriers are in sound financial health. He said pegging a fixed amount for any airline is insufficient evidence that the carrier has the technical wherewithal to operate safe flights .

    :”’ I am in support of any policy by government that would make the aviation sector stable . Any policy that would make airlines operate very safely. I have  not heard anybody in government talking about anything about recapitalisation of airlines . But we are hearing rumours that they are proposing about N5 billion recapitalisation for domestic airlines . It is strange to me that figures are being thrown about. The airline sector is not like the banking sector. It is strange to hear this in Nigeria, it is unusual in other parts of the world to propose this.

    “Airlines are not banks that had to recapitalise because they need to give out depositors money daily  The reason is that banks need more money as back-up to give out . The same model cannot be said of airlines. Banks need solid financial base because they daily have to give money to people to trade with . Airlines do not trade with money , so the whole idea of requesting them to have a N5billion recapitalisation base is not ideal,” he argued.

    He said when government is proposing recapitalisation in aviation, the model for the banking sector should not be applied to aviation.

    “What I think government should do is to put In place policies that would assist airlines to source cheaper access to funds, ease the problem of aviation fuel , by reducing the taxes , the new airlines should be given four years tax holiday,” he said, stating that  there is no gain In the airline business.

    He said what should be paramount is to ensure that airlines are categorised  to operate according to the number of aircraft they have. For instance, airlines should be restricted to operate limited routes according to the number of aircraft in their fleet . To me this is the best form of recapitalisation .Airlines  operations should be restricted to the  number of aircraft they have . Not to set N5billion by the side, he said.

    Onyema warned that If government’s plan is to forge mergers in the industry, this proposal will not materialise, saying that mergers are not forced. He called for the creation of a conducive environment that would encourage collaboration among the carriers. He said partnership among airlines is the way to go, as against the recapitalisation that is being proposed.

    On his part, an Aviation analyst and the Director, Zenith Travels,. Olumide Ohunayo argued that the planned recapitalisation of domestic airlines is not a solution to the several challenges facing local operators.

    He said, instead of embarking on another round of recapitalisation, he said the Federal Government through the NCAA, should strengthen its regulatory functions regarding the issuance of Air Operator’s Certificates (AOCs), to local carriers.

    Also speaking, an Aircraft Engineer and Executive Director, Centre for Aviation Research and Safety, Sheri Kyari, said the recapitalisation will lead to the death of some of the airlines that are currently struggling to survive due to several challenges confronting them. He said this is not the time to recapitalise as it may not lead the industry anywhere, adding that this may be a ploy by the authorities to force the domestic airlines to merge.

    On the minimum capital base he thinks the Federal Government is looking at, Kyari said that government may be thinking of raising it from N500 million to N5billion.

    In April 2007 , after the spate of air crashes in 2005 / 2006, the Federal Government raised capital base of airlines  flying domestic routes to  N500 million, while regional operators were required to have N1 billion, and those on international routes were required to recapilise with   N2 billion.

     

     

     

     

    Kyari stated that the committee does not understand the dynamics of the aviation sector, arguing that the recapitalisation in the banking sector is not the same with that in the aviation industry. He said any re-capitalisation attempt at this time would be perceived as a step by the government to kill the indigenous carriers in favor of the planned national carrier.

    He argued that it would be better for the authority to carry out an economic audit on the domestic airlines, as the rate at which domestic operators are going under is alarming .He said besides asking airlines to recapitalise, the Federal Government itself must provide conducive atmosphere for domestic airlines to operate, by granting them waivers, as it is applicable with the importation of aircraft spares.

    According to him, “Recapitalisation I will say it is good, but any move again this time to introduce such to the airline, I think will be suspect. A lot of people are likely to think that any recapitalisation is to kill more airlines and allow the Government to achieve their national carrier objective. Government has to be extremely sensitive about this and then, you are looking at recapitalising, those who cannot recapitalise only to find themselves outside, and will lose their investments in the industry. I think the Government must do this thing at least sensibly and while they are doing this, they must work out what I would call incentives for these other ones to recapitalise.

    He continued, “Government is doing all this and not creating market for the airlines. They will want to say it is still private sector arrangement, but Government should also do one or two things to alleviate the sufferings of the airlines. “