The Nation Newspaper

Category: Aviation

  • North alleges ‘lopsidedness’ in aviation appointments

    To correct the perceived lopsidedness in apointments into key aviation positions, a group the Northern Youth Coalition for Democracy has called on the Presidency and the National Assembly to examine the recruitment criteria.

    The call, the group’s National Co-ordinator, Abdulyakeen Ibn Umar claimed, followed the perceived ‘lopsidedness’ in the appointment of some personnel in some aviation agencies.

    Umar said there might be need for the government to examine recent appointments in some of the agencies, to know if the criteria used did not meet the federal character.

    He called on the Federal Government to look into the appointment of chiefs of some key aviation agencies.

    Umar said the North was marginalised in the appointments into aviation parastatals, adding that such lopsided appointments would not move the nation forward.

    He said: “Aviation needs professionals and we have those professionals in the North and I don’t know why this government wants to relegate the North in the aviation sector. In some parastatals in the aviation sector, there is nothing like a northerner in the management team. I feel it is in justice.”

    Umar said it would be unfair for the Jonathan administration to move the North out of the sector.

    He said: ‘’The bone of contention is the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). If they are talking of professionals, it should be thrown open for people to apply. There is nothing like federal character here. You must balance it so that there will be no agitation.”

    In a swift reaction the Minister of Aviation denied the allegation, saying there is no basis for such claim.

    The Minister’s Special Assistant on Media Joe Obi said there was nothing like ethnic cleansing in the sector.

    The Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) is headed by Mr George Uriesi, who is from Edo State, in the Southsouth.

    The Managing Director of the Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Mazi Nnamdi Udoh, from Abia State, in the Southeast.

    Director-General of Nigeria Metereological Services (NIMET ), Dr Anthony Anuforum, hails from the Southeast.

    The Comissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Captain Muktar Usman, hails from the North.

    Director-General designation of, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Aviation Authority( NCAA), Captain Fola Akinkuotu, is from the Southwest.

    He is yet to be cleared by the Senate.

    Obi said qualified Nigerians no matter where they come from would be offered jobs in key positions in the industry to add value to the transformation agenda of government.

    The minister, he said, was poised to ensure that professionals from different ethnic background, who will add value to government’s vision would be engaged as key personnel in the industry.

  • BA launches route update

    British Airways has partnered with Langham Hotels, London fashion label PPQ, and renowned British model Georgia May Jagger for a special event on board its new Boeing 777-300ER.

    The event, according to a statement, is to celebrate new service updates on the Australian route.

    From this month, passengers travelling between Sydney and London will enjoy the new 777-300ER aircraft, the latest aircraft in the British Airways fleet boasting updates to all cabins on board. In addition, the Australian service will now fly into Terminal 5, British Airways’ award winning home at London Heathrow.

    With the move to Terminal 5, Australian passengers will be able to enjoy smoother and more seamless connections with British Airways vast European network and access to award winning lounges including over 100 retail and dining options.

    One very special guest at the event was British model Georgia May Jagger wearing Tech Empire dress by PPQ.

    “I’m always happy to support British Airways. It’s great to be here for this event and at such an exciting time for Australia,” said Georgia May Jagger. “I love coming to Australia and thanks to British Airways’ fantastic style and service. The journey from the UK was a joy.”

    Held in British Airways’ award winning Club World cabin, guests at the event were treated to a taste of the new Tiffin at The Langham afternoon tea. Featuring a selection of afternoon tea treats, and served in true Langham, Sydney style, the Tiffin continues the timeless British tradition of high tea, and the first to be served onboard an aircraft.

  • Skilled manpower bane of aviation, says Senator

    What is the major challenge facing aviation? It is the dearth of skilled manpower, says Chairman, Senate Committee on Aviation, Senator Hope Uzodinma Speaking at the opening of the Constitutive Assembly of the Association of African Training Organisation (AATO) organised by the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT) in Abuja, Uzodinma said this deficiency had prevented the sector from growing and gaining better global recognition despite its potential. Over the years, he said, there had been over dependence on the International Aviation Training Institute, at the expense of other African training centres. Uzodinma said: “Ours is to encourage them to ensure that the number of foreign training that has besieged the industry will be reduced. “NCAT, if given all the support it requires is in a position to train aircraft engineers, inspectors and instructors that can train others with a view to ensuring that local and international needs of the industry are obtained here locally because we have the resources. “But I think what we are lacking here is that we don’t have the manpower arrangement in sufficient numbers and if they are encouraged to intensify their efforts, we will have all we need to meet up with global expectations.” Also, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Managing Director George Uriesi has said the sector holds the key to Africa’s economic prosperity. He spoke at a meeting of the Airports Council International (ACI), African region, in Morocco. Uriesi said aviation was vital to the region’s growth. He harped on the designation of airports as regional hubs to maximise their potential, stressing that the development of cargo ports was aimed at opening up the country to benefit from its full potential as an agro-allied economy. Uriesi said: “The obstacle-removing leadership provided by our Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Stella Oduah, has repositioned the country as a serious global player ready to occupy its pride of place.” The conference, he said, fell within the framework of the initiative launched by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and Airport Council International (ACI), to promote safety. This, he said, had allowed stakeholders to contribute to the requirements of a safe and secure air transportation system. The conference, he added, was meant to sensitise participants on the importance of runway safety and the need for collaboration, among stakeholders in air transport.

  • SAHCOL invests N20b on equipment

    The Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited (SAHCOL) invested over N20 billion on passenger and aircraft handling equipment between 2009 and last month.

    Its Managing Director, Mr Oluropo Owolabi, said while unveiling some operational equipment acquired by the firm that the investment was part of the firm’s plans to expand its operations and enhance service delivery.

    Owolabi said in the next few months, SAHCOL would invest more money in the building of cargo warehouses in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano.

    He said the investment was part of the strategy to become the leading cargo and passenger handling operations in Africa.

    The new operational equipment would position the firm strategically to compete in the industry, where airlines are constantly asking for improvement in service delivery.

    Owolabi said the decision to acquire more operational equipment was to eliminate delays hitherto caused by inadequate equipment, affirming that the enhanced equipment operators will fast-track service delivery in the sector.

    He listed some of the equipment to include commanders’ 15i, 30i, 40i loader and 45i, which according to him, is ultimate in ground handling company.The 15i loader is a single operated vehicle capable of lifting and carrying very high capacity cargo, adding that it is hydraulically powered and electronically controlled.The 15i, he said, is capable of handling B757, 767,777,787, A340 and any lower deck, passenger and cargo aircraft.

    The 30i and 40i loaders, he said, are not only hydraulically powered and electronically controlled, but that they also have the capacity of handling A380, 747 and all wide body aircraft and heavy cargo and container.

    The vehicle, he said is equipped with stabilisers, side guides, emergency pumps for ease and safe handling of heavy cargo loads in aircraft.

    He said :” We have spent more than twenty billion Naira on these equipment. In terms of expansion , we are working hard on the completion of our warehouse in Lagos and from there we will move to build more warehouses in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Kano.

  • Concessions, remodelling hold sway in aviation

    Concessions, remodelling hold sway in aviation

    Activities and operations in the aviation sector in the first quarter of this year have been dominated by the controversy surrounding the concession agreement between the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Bi-Courtney. The sack of the industry regulator, Dr. Harold Demuren, was a major upset in the period, reports KELVIN OSA OKUNBOR.

    The last three months have been a mixed bag for players and operators in the sector.

    In the airlines sub sector, the carriers have been grappling with a myraid of challenges, ranging from increasing operating costs, driven high cost of aviation fuel, fluctuating passenger traffic on some routes, high cost of aircraft maintenance, amongst other challenges.

    One salient development in the sector during the quarter, is the shrinking of the number of domestic airlines. So far, over four domestic carriers have stopped flying. They include, First Nation airways, Associated Aviation, Afrijet Airlines and Air Nigeria.

    Keeping the business afloat, has been the headache of most operators.

    On the domestic scene, Arik Air, Dana Air, Chanchangi Airlines, IRS Airlines, Medview Airlines , Overland Airways and Aero Airlines still operate scheduled flights.

    Apart from the increasing operational costs, the use of the right equipment by airlines to service their routes, has remained in the front burner.

    Some players in the sector have canvassed the use of the turbo propeller aircraft, as being the most economical for short and medium haul flights as opposed to the deployment of jets, which consumes more fuel.Part of the survival strategies experts think will bring about airline profitability include, the use of the right equipment, interline agreement among the carriers, as well as cheaper access to funds to acquire aircraft.

    Under the period, some developments involving Dana Air and Aero Airlines came to the fore.

    The return of Dana Air’s operating licence raise some dust.

    As the airline is gradually regaining passengers’ confidence, the recent suspension of its operations over a snag in one of its aircraft in Abuja, altered the equation, over safety concerns. Nonetheless, its re-entry brought about reduction in air fares.

    Aero Airlines was enmeshed in a crisis in the period. The ruffle resulted in the sack of about 600 workers, and the suspention of its flights.

    The furore generated over the industrial disharmony created serious challenges in the aviation sector, resulting in limited options for passengers. The strike paved way for competitors to have a field day.

    Following the intervention of the National Assembly and the unions, the airline at the weekend resumed operations, with a proviso that all disengaged staff would be recalled.

    The airline has, however, lost over N1.5 billion as revenue that would have accrued from ticket sales for two weeks its aircraft were off the skies.

     

    Airport Concessions

    In the period under review, the industry has been enmeshed in the murky waters over concession.

    The major concession controversy that has torn the industry apart in the period include the tenure over the agreement of the new domestic terminal two of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, involving Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and Bi-Courtney have locked horns over a parcel of land concessioned to the firm for the building of a hotel and car park services.

    While FAAN is insisting that the tenure of the concession remains 12 years, the concessionaire – Bi – Courtney Aviation Services Limited – contends that it is 36 years.

    Also, the tussle over control of the old domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport,Ikeja, Lagos , between FAAN and Bi- Courtney remains as contentious as ever, with none of the parties willing to shift grounds.

     

    Airport Remodelling

    Another significant area where the industry has actualised a giant leap borders on remodelling of airports.

    In the period, three domestic airport terminals have been remodelled and inaugurated.

    The airports include the old domestic terminal of the Lagos Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, which hitherto was designed for 700,000 passengers yearly, but can process over four million passengers.

    For many stakeholders, that was the best thing that happened to the sector in the last 30 years, when the sector experienced decaying infrastructure.

    Besides, a new general terminal for chartered and private aircraft operators was commissioned at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

    Stakeholders have adjudged the project as comparable to others in other climes.

    The period also saw the the remodelling and inauguration of the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The Federal Government has also concluded plans to attract two foreign airlines to operate from Kano to other parts of the world. Plans are also underway to facilitate the export of agricultural products from the airport.

    Another stride accomplished in the period under review is the completion and inuguration of the Benin Airport, by FAAN, under the airport remodelling project. Also, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, in Owerri is completed and ready for inauguration.

    Apart from the completion and inauguration of some of the terminals under the remodelling initiative, construction work is on going in other airports situated in Ilorin, Port Harcourt, Maiduguri, Sokoto, Enugu, Minna, Akure, Calabar, Katsina, Kaduna,Makurdi, Yola, Jos and Ibadan.

    Also within the period, the Federal Government is wrapping up plans to secure investors from China that will deliver four brand new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Enugu and Kano.

     

    30 airport for domestic airlines

    Under the review period, the Federal Government is pursuing programmes to assist in facilitating financing for the acquisition of at least 30 aircraft for domestic airlines. Stakeholders have lauded the development as a welcome move, aimed at adding value to the quality of aircraft flying in the airspace.

    Sequel to the proposal, aircraft manufacturers, including Brazilian firm: Embraer; Canadian Company: Bombardier , Boeing Company ; ATR and many others have submitted proposals to the Federal Government, on why they think their aircraft is suitable for the Nigerian environment.

    Minister of Aviation, Princess Stella Oduah, confirmed that though the government has not settled for any aircraft type, but factors that will influence its choice will include aircraft type that is cheaper to operate, fuel efficient as well as the conditions of payment that will give room for flexibility.

    On the proposal, Chief Executive Officer of Landover Aviation Company, Captain Edward Boyo, said it would be good for the government to assist domestic carriers.

     

    Airport certification

    In the period under review, FAAN also unveiled plans to facilitate the certification of the Lagos and Abuja airports by the International Civil Aviation Organisation ( ICAO).

    According the Director of Airport Operations, Captain Henry Omoegwu, one of the steps taken to achieve this include the repairs of five fire trucks by the airport authority to meet the prescribed minimum requirement for fire cover for the airports.

     

    Demuren’s sack , NCAA

    In the period, the regulatory arm of the aviation sector was under the searchlight, with many stakeholders alleging that the regime of civil aviation regulation is on the recline.

    The former director-general of NCAA, Dr Harold Demuren, was sacked for his inability to give favourable response to queries raised by stakeholders.

    What could be the defining moment for the sector in the period under review, is the wrapping up of a new template for investors drawn up by FAAN, that would give room for only credit worthy and committed investors and concessionaires in the industry.

    The new arrangement, according to the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr George Uriesi, is the paradigm hift that see FAAN negotiating businesses and agreements in line with global industry best practices. Above all, the clamour for the setting up of an aircraft maintenance hangar by experts in the sector, if achievable could save domestic carriers the huge cost expended on offshore repairs of their aircraft.

    With Embraer finalising plans to set up an aircraft maintenance and service centre in Kaduna, as well as Arik Air planning to rebuild its aircraft maintenance hangar in Lagos in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik and Bombardier, the sector is on the path to recovery.

  • Row over incessant airport concessions

    Row over incessant airport concessions

    Airport concessions, expected to add value to investments in the aviation industry, have become a fallacy. In the last three years, about four airport concessions have been terminated. As the airport authority wraps up a new template for potential investors, will this put an end to the controversies that have continued to trail these concessions? KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR reports

    These are not the best of times for concessionaires in the aviation industry. This is because their dreams of improving on the services they provide have been shattered by persistent revocation and termination of agreements by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

    In the last three years at least three strategic concessions involving the collection of port charges at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport , Ikeja, Lagos by PanExpress Nigeria Limited was terminated by FAAN for alleged lack of performance as the firm failed to remit the agreed sum into the coffers of the authority.

    Just as the furore over the termination of the concession to Pan Express Nigeria Limited was about to settle, the concessionaire (Maevis Limited) for the provision of the automated of airport operations management system (AOMS) at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja was terminated.

    The termination of the Maevis Limited’s concession was not without the attendant legal implications as the firm is still in court to contest the propriety of its agreement, which was terminated by FAAN.

    The contest over the ownership of the old domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos otherwise known as the General Aviation Terminal is still being contested between FAAN and Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited.

    FAAN has since insisted that the concession it signed with the firm does not cover the old domestic terminal, which it has since remodelled and rechristened Terminal One of Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    This is aside the raging controversy over the termination of the lease concession of a large parcel of land at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos to AIC Hotel Limited.

    FAAN, and AIC Hotel Limited are still in court over the termination of the lease agreement as attempts to resolve the impasse at the arbitration panel has failed .

    Only last week, FAAN announced the terminal of two lease agreement it signed with Bi – Courtney Aviation Services Limited, for the development of a four star hotel and conference centre at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The spokesman of FAAN, Mr Yakubu Dati, said: ”The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has terminated two leases granted Bi-Courtney Limited at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja for the development and management of a four-star hotel and conference centre.

    In two separate letters, dated April 19, 2012, the Authority had informed Bi-Courtney that the leases granted it in respect of the two projects had been terminated as a result of breaches committed by the company in the agreements it signed with FAAN on the two projects.

    By the said agreements, the two projects were to be completed in 2008 but FAAN said it graciously extended the construction period to July 2009 but Bi-Courtney still failed to complete the two projects at the expiration of the extended period.

    He said: “By that termination order, the two projects have reverted to FAAN automatically, in line with the terms of the agreements. Bi-Courtney forcefully and illegally acquired part of the premises belonging to the Murtala Muhammed Airport, School, Ikeja to construct the conference centre, despite loud protest by the pupils and parents of the school.

    “It was these protests that stopped the company from acquiring the entire premises of the school, which Bi-Courtney had planned to take to another location in Lagos.”

    Bi-Courtney, on its part, described the termination directive by FAAN as laughable, saying that the airport authority was misleading the public because the matter in context was already in court.

    The firm’s spokesman, Mr Steve Omolale Ajulo said: ”Justice S. J. Adah of the Federal High Court, Ikeja Division, had, on April 23, 2012, issued an order restraining the Attorney-General of the Federation, Inspector-General of Police, Managing Director of FAAN and FAAN itself from commencing, continuing and/or completing any actions or permitting the commencement, continuance and/or completion of any actions in respect of taking over possession of and/or interfering with Applicant’s possession of the four-star hotel and the Conference Centre situated at the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal Two, Ikeja, under construction pursuant to its letters reference: FAAN/1600/0210213 and FAAN/1600/0210214, both dated April 19, 2012, or any other letter, instrument or instruction whatsoever pending the hearing and determination of the Applicant’s application for interlocutory injunction.

    “The court order, originating motion, affidavit in support, exhibits and the Notice of Arbitration were all served on FAAN and its Managing Director, and received and signed for, on their behalf, by one Mrs. C. Akinola at 11.55a.m on April 24, 2012.”

    He said for FAAN to say it has terminated the projects and taken possession of the land is laughable and a clear disobedience of subsisting court orders. He said: “Nigerians should please ignore them, as they are not saying anything new. Like they themselves admitted in their latest statement, they first issued the statement purportedly terminating the two projects on April 19, 2012.

    “As it is usual with them, they have re-issued the same statement in order to confuse aviation stakeholders and continue to create crises in the sector. Every aviation stakeholder knows that it was the same old statement, issued last year that they have rewritten and presented to the media as a new one to deceive the public. FAAN knows that it cannot terminate the projects because of the court injunction. There are consequences for such an action.”

    Though FAAN has not taken possession of the construction sites of the hotel and conference centre, the authority said it was working hard to ensure that concession agreements negotiated in the future were devoid of controversies.

    Speaking in an interview, the Managing Director of FAAN, Mr George Uriesi, said: “Well, FAAN is now set to do the right things concerning all agreements. We are signing with potential investors and concessionaires. We  are doing what is right for the business.  Any deal that we strike , is done the way it is done elsewhere in the world. And so, the criteria is clear, the business expectations are clear, unlike in the past. We are not doing anything with anybody unless we have evidence from the banks that they are funding the project and the money is there.

    “This will be from the day you sign the agreement and the day you start construction is six months.

    “If any investor does not start within that period, the deal is no longer tenable.The new arrangement is that from the day you start construction we will begin to count and ensure there is compliance with the timeline agreed for the project or concession completion.

    “Now we have very stringent criteria, in accordance with the global airport standard. If the business proposal is sound and could earn money for FAAN, we will sign you on . This is about giving opportunity to every investor.”

    Meanwhile, some industry players, including the former secretary-general of African Airlines Association (AFRAA), Mr Nick Fadugba have cautioned on how airport concessions could best be achieved.

    Fadugba said: “Before we sign deals, whether they are concession agreements on airport terminals, including the General Aviation Terminal, we should ensure that they are in favour of Nigeria. Many deals have been signed that were not properly done.

    “Before we put pen to paper, we must have a solid deal that would be all-beneficiary and all- encompassing. This presents a problem; so I believe the government has to bring in the private sector .

    “The government must ensure it makes the transactions thoroughly planned or agreed; so it is a win-win situation for the government, the country and the private sector.”

    Also, Director of Legal Services, FAAN, Mr Jacob Mark, said: “All the land around the airport anywhere in Nigeria belongs to the Federal Government, not to any individual. When the land is given to any individual or organisation, it is given as lease, under some terms and conditions for a specified number of years that the agreement covers. If the operator of the lease or concession can no longer meet the conditions, it will be terminated.”

  • Operator lists challenges at MMA, Lagos 

    The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) should address some problems of operational facilities at the old domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Ikeja, Lagos.

    The Chief Operating Officer of Things Remembered (an eatry), Mr Benedict Njogwuani, made this call in a chat with The Nation in Lagos.

    He said it is imperative for FAAN to consider providing storage facilities at the terminal to enable operators of eateries to preserve their food and other items, which should be served fresh to passengers and other airport workers.

    He explained that as much as the airport authority is poised to deliver state-of-the-art facilities, there is the need to factor stakeholders’ input in the ambitious aerotropolis vision, which will make the airport one of the best in the world.

    He canvassed the restructuring of the terminal architecture to make provision for kitchen facilities and the construction of rear access in the terminal to move items properly, as opposed to the arrangement where food items from eatery operators are moved in through the entry access point.

    He urged the airport authority to give priority to fumigation and pest control for all airport users. He said the constant supply of water would go a long way to address some challenges operators were grappling with.

  • British Airways ups African services

    British Airways will add 266 seats a week to Nairobi when it increases its schedule to Kenya from daily to eight flights a week. The new service will start on May 12.

    “The aircraft will be a Boeing 777-200 in a four-cabin configuration, offering First, Club World (business), World Traveller Plus (premium economy) and World Traveller (economy).

    “Kenya is a growing economy and the additional flight has been scheduled as an overnight service so our customers, particularly those travelling on business, can make the most of their time,” Ian Petrie, the Regional Commercial Manager for Africa, said in a statement.

    British Airways has also announced that three additional services it introduced to Johannesburg on trial early last year have been confirmed in its schedule for the year. This brings to 17 the number of weekly services it offers from London to Johannesburg.

    In the past year, the airline has expanded its schedule to Morocco and has begun flying to Sierra Leone and Liberia.

    “We have a long, proud history in Africa. Over 80 years ago our predecessor, Imperial Airways, pioneered air routes the length of the continent,“ he added.

  • FAAN to enhance revenue drive at Benin Airport 

    FAAN to enhance revenue drive at Benin Airport 

    Airport Manager of Benin Airport, Mr Sunday Ayodele, has made known plans of the management of the airport to embark on revenue drive in non-aeronautical ventures.

    He explained that the world over, 70 per cent of revenue generation at airports are from non-aeronautical sources.

    He said the airport management would step up its drive to ensure that the revenue base was improved to ensure that passengers get the best from the facilities provided through adequate maintenance.

    “I want to basically pursue rigorously the 70 per cent non-aeronautical service of revenue for this airport and I intend to achieve that”.

    Mr Ayodele said that a new multi-storey car park would be constructed at the airport to accommodate both the car hire service that were displaced and to provide parking space for visitors.”

    He explained that in line with the aerotropolis concept that a four- star hotel would be constructed and business complex would be erected at the airport to cater for those people displaced while the remodelling was going on. He added that the airport woul be a one stop shop where everything could be bought without going to the city.

    The Benin airport manager disclosed that a new airline has applied to commence flight operations into the airport and it will bring the number of operating airlines to four after the return of Associated Aviation that has gone for a major aircraft maintenance check.

    He expressed the hope that the airport fence will be constructed while the runway will be resurfaced at the same time.

  • ‘Govt should assist domestic operators’

    ‘Govt should assist domestic operators’

    There is nothing wrong with the Federal Government assisting domestic carriers to acquire aircraft to boost their operations, the Managing Director, Landover Aviation Company, Captain Edward Boyo, has said. He added that efforts to assist airlines in the past were misdirected, resulting in the misuse funds intended to jumpstart the business.

    He spoke during a visit by the Vice President, Sales, Africa and Indian Ocean, Mr Guido Di Paolo and Airline and Product Marketing Manager, Mr Othman Chaoui of ATR in Lagos.

    The team was also at the Ministry of Aviation, Abuja to promote their brand of aircraft, adjudged suitable for regional operations.

    According to Boyo, the prevailing interest rate by commercial banks is not conducive for any operator to run profitably. He said such offer of facilitating aircraft purchase for domestic operators should be applauded. He tasked operators to engage the government on how they could benefit from the window.

    He said the ATR aircraft type is good for the Nigeria because most flights are short haul, which requires an aircraft type that is fuel-efficient and economical.

    He said many airlines had collapsed in Nigeria, because the owners were not using the right equipment suitable for the economics of the industry.

    “It is a very good idea for the Federal Government to assist domestic airlines. If they don’t assist Nigerian airlines, who will they assist,” he asked.