Category: Aviation

The Federal Government is set to tackle the absence of airfield lighting of the runways at the Lagos Airport, KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR reports.

Plans by the Federal Government to improve safety in the aviation sector received a boost last week when it moved to replace old airfield lighting cables at the Lagos Airport.

The move, it was learnt, is part of the government’s agenda to fix sore infrastructure that dot some aerodromes across the country.

Replacement of the airfield lighting system at the Lagos Airport is coming after complaints by indigenous carriers.

Investigations by The Nation indicate that  the government  feels it is high time to put in place an AirField Lighting (AFL) for the 2.7 kilometre 18L/36R domestic runway of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), which was recommissioned in 2008 after rehabilitation without runway lights.

This resolve could not have come at a better time, following complaints by domestic airlines, which listed lack of lighting on the runway as one of the reasons flights are either delayed or cancelled.

Last week, Minister of Aviation,  Hadi Sirika, succeeded in getting another N3,523,592,079billion approval for safety-critical projects of the Ministry of Aviation from the Federal Executive Council (FEC).

Of the huge amount, N2,329,961,099.60 was for the supply and installation of airfield ground lighting for the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja and also the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, according to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Office of the Vice President, Mr Laolu Akande.

Experts have raised concerns on  sunset landing and lack of airfield lighting in most airports but are particular about the MMA and the cost of landing at the international terminal to their operations.

In February, this year, Chairman United Nigeria Airlines, High Chief Obiora Okonkwo, during the airline’s first anniversary, said the inability of the Federal Government to install airfield lighting at Runway 18L of the MMIA led to flights delays and cancellation and increase of about 40 per cent  of their operational costs – spent taxing and holding.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced in August 2020 that the AirField Lighting (AFL) of 18L MMIA would come on stream by last year with standard lighting and in August 2021, the airports manager said it and the Ministry of Aviation has agreed for the Minister to resolve the contract issue delaying the 18L Runway light and once documents are complete it will procure and install the AFL in  six  months, that is where government is at on that.

FAAN had to shut the international runway and reopen when the aircraft was removed, this happened during the height of COVID-19.

Captain Rabiu Hamisu Yadudu, said:  ”18Left has been delayed because of a  contract that has been for many years and finally, the minister has graciously accepted to resolve that issue that has been protracted and he has agreed to grant us permission or approval to quickly procure a new lighting system.You know FAAN cannot procure a new project when there is an existing one on the same facility. So many things you see that are delayed, are not delayed because of negligence or lack of attention it’s because you have to follow due process.

“It is, however, part of the government regulations that you cannot procure the same thing twice until you resolve the first one. The ministry has resolved the first one and has taken over, freeing FAAN now with an approval to quickly resolve it because it is a critical requirement. So, the key consideration for us here is that if not for the existing contract, we would have finished that before taxiway bravo.

With this recent FEC approval to the minister, one expects that the 2.7 km runway ’18 Left’ domestic wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Ikeja, would come online and provide succour to airline operators and better yet cancel that out as a reason flights are delayed and/or cancelled.

Wakanow, a  travel technology company, has signed a deal  with Dana Airlines on inventory and  flight schedules.

By virtue of this partnership, Wakanow becomes the only online travel agency with Dana Airlines Nigeria’s Live Inventory bookable

The deal will birth the delivery of a  booking experience for Wakanow customers and Dana Airlines passengers to provide global standard in customer experience to the customers of the airline.

Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow, Mr. Adebayo Adedeji said the firm  is expected to bring in another differentiator to the travel industry as it  begins its collaboration with Dana Airlines.

He said: “With this partnership, we are poised to change the face of domestic travel for travellers and other tourists from across the world. We would bring our topnotch expertise to bear so that this collaboration will be a case study across the aviation industry.”

The Chief Commercial Officer, Wakanow, Mrs. Adenike Macaulay, said: “This integration with Dana Airlines will unlock an expanded domestic inventory selection for our customers, making Wakanow the one stop shop for domestic travel bookings in Nigeria. Our expertise in the travel industry will be brought to the fore in exceeding customers’ experience with Dana Airlines bookings.’’

She noted: “Our workforce is ready to support Dana Airlines in surpassing customers’ expectations.”

According the Chief Executive Officer, Dana Air, Sukhjinder Mann: “Our collaboration with Wakanow is to create seamless, real-time booking options for our guests across the world and there are a lot of these partnerships in the works as part of efforts to continue to exceed the flying aspirations of our guests with improved customer experience.”

Wakanow, a travel technology company, has signed a deal  with Dana Airlines on inventory and flight schedules.

By virtue of this partnership, Wakanow becomes the only online travel agency with Dana Airlines Nigeria’s Live Inventory bookable

The deal will birth the delivery of a  booking experience for Wakanow customers and Dana Airlines passengers to provide global standard in customer experience to the customers of the airline.

Chief Executive Officer, Wakanow, Mr. Adebayo Adedeji said the firm  is expected to bring in another differentiator to the travel industry as it  begins its collaboration with Dana Airlines.

He said: “With this partnership, we are poised to change the face of domestic travel for travellers and other tourists from across the world. We would bring our topnotch expertise to bear so that this collaboration will be a case study across the aviation industry.”

The Chief Commercial Officer, Wakanow, Mrs. Adenike Macaulay, said: “This integration with Dana Airlines will unlock an expanded domestic inventory selection for our customers, making Wakanow the one stop shop for domestic travel bookings in Nigeria. Our expertise in the travel industry will be brought to the fore in exceeding customers’ experience with Dana Airlines bookings.’’

She noted: “Our workforce is ready to support Dana Airlines in surpassing customers’ expectations.”

According the Chief Executive Officer, Dana Air, Sukhjinder Mann: “Our collaboration with Wakanow is to create seamless, real-time booking options for our guests across the world and there are a lot of these partnerships in the works as part of efforts to continue to exceed the flying aspirations of our guests with improved customer experience.”

Lagos Aviation Academy (LAA) has received the award of the Best Training School for the Year during the Nigeria Tourism Awards in Lagos.

The awards also known as the Balearica is held yearly by Mr. Efetobo Awhana.

The Academy Director/Chairman of the Association of Approved Aviation Training Organisations in Nigeria (AATON) Mr Bankole Bernard: “It is an honour for us at Lagos Aviation Academy to have been named the Best Training School in Nigeria. This feat is a testament to our hard work and dedication to excellence.’’

Bernard, represented by the academy’s spokesperson Ms. Olamide Oni, added: “This award is dedicated to our staff and students, the regulatory bodies, our partners and everyone who has contributed to our success as an institution . While I thank the organisers for this recognition, I would like to also lend our voice on the need to maintain standards and professionalism in the aviation training space.”

Awhana said: “To further grow tourism, we need to appreciate those who grow the standards because the industry cannot grow without raising the standards. I urge recipients of these awards to continue to spread the campaign for the promotion of domestic tourism, God has endowed us well enough.”

LAA General Manager, Ms Chinasa Mbene, added: “This is the first of its kind for us and we are excited about this feat. It could not have come at a better time as we have not only expanded over the years but also clinched the award of the Best Training School upon entering our fifth year in business. This award will further fuel our passion for raising quality professionals in the industry and we will continuously raise the bar of excellence.”

LAA is an IATA-Authorised Training Centre (ATC), the only certified Amadeus Training Partner in Nigeria, and an NCAA Approved Training Organisation (ATO) in the central district of Lagos Mainland.

The Academy started operations in the year 2017, with the mission to raise competent aviation professionals in the industry. Lagos Aviation Academy is situated in the central district of Lagos Mainland.

The Academy commenced operations in the year 2017, with a vision to raise competent aviation professionals in the industry.

In its five years of existence, the Academy has produced IATA Overall Best Performers in 2018, 2019, 2021 and most recently in 2022.

LAA offers industry-wide training courses as well as management training. Its passion for building competence has also aided the Academy’s specialised courses that combine modules in Aviation, Management, and Personal effectiveness.

New entrant in the aviation sector – ValueJet Airlines has received the first two of its aircraft, as it prepares for its demonstration  flights as required by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The flights are also mandatory for receiving the Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC).

Both aircraft (CRJ-900) with registration 5N-BXS and 5N-BXT arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport last week. The Chairman, ValueJet, Kunle Soname, highlighted Nigeria’s role in driving global trade as an African carrier.

He said: “Despite the challenges in the industry, Nigeria and Africa are well- poised to drive growth with an effective aviation sector. ValueJet is a dream Airline that is gradually being positioned to efficiently facilitate growth opportunities across geographies.”

Managing DirectorValueJet, Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, expressed his excitement at the arrival.

He said: “This is one of the many defining steps in ValueJet’s anticipated milestones. Performance, safety, and comfort informed the choice of our aircraft selection.

“With a track record of safety, ValueJet will deploy these aircraft for regional flight services once we have completed all mandatory processes and secured AOC approvals”.

According to the Head of Business Program, Temitope Ajijola, “ValueJet’s vision is ambitious. We see a world where everybody can fly. Our aim is to add value from the very first flight once we are set for business operations. About five per cent  of Nigeria’s population can afford a flight ticket, according to statistics, and ValueJet is looking to increase this number significantly through creative fare pricing.

“Now in Lagos, the aircraft took off from Spain where the livery branding, maintenance, and acceptance were completed. The arrival of the third aircraft is anticipated in the near future.”

 

Recovery for global carriers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic is moving at snail pace. As many countries lift lock downs, remove impediments to travel and other restrictions that barred some carriers from returning to their routes, airlines are consolidating on frontier market, reports KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR.

Post-recovery efforts are pushing global carriers to look in the direction of frontier markets.

For many European, Middle East and Africa carriers, Nigeria is one way to go because of its huge market.

Reason: Its population, geographical location, emerging markets and the propensity of its people to connect with other parties for commerce, and leisure, among others.

To drive recovery in the promising market, United Arab Emirates (UAE), carrier Emirates Airlines last week recalibrated its hold on the Nigerian market by  its commitment and  long- standing partnership with travel partners and agencies.

The move, according to the carriers officials, is to consolidate on its partnership and regain its dominance on the route.

At an event to recognise the services of top travel agents in Lagos, the carrier said the gathering was the first  since the outbreak of the pandemic.

The airline’s top management, led by Badr Abbas, the Senior Vice President Commercial Operations in Africa, honoured the contributions of the travel agents to Emirates’post-pandemic recovery.

Country Manager and the Emirates team in Nigeria, Paulos Legesse, who hosted the event, said the meeting was another demonstration of the strategic importance of the country’s market to the airline.

He added: “Emirates Airline and Nigeria share a very special relationship that goes back to almost 20 years, and we have been connecting Nigerian travellers to a global network, which spans nearly 130 destinations, making it easier to connect with friends, family, trade and tourism opportunities.

“We have been eager to visit Nigeria, a market that is very important to us, to meet with the people that have supported us, even in the most difficult of times. Throughout this journey, you, our loyal travel agents, have been an integral part of our rebuilding efforts, for which we are extremely grateful. We look forward to your continued support in the years ahead.”

He continued: “It has been a challenging two years for all of us, and  we are navigating the road to recovery, hopefully gaining an even stronger footing for the future.  The word ‘Together’ is key and has always been so for us at Emirates.”

 

Recovery is not a unilateral effort. It is through collaboration and meaningful partnerships that we move forward with recovery, and collectively prepare to address the pent-up demand for travel to and from Nigeria and across our network.”

The airline also organised a workshop in Lagos for 60 travel trade partners to provide them with the latest updates and information on the airline, its route network and fleet in service, the ramp up of operations in both Lagos and Abuja, new routes for the airline globally, updates on its new Premium Economy product, up-to-date information on its customer and booking policies, the latest on Emirates Gateway partner portal, in addition to other topics.

 

Emirates operates 12 flights weekly to two cities to Lagos, and Abuja.

By September 1,  the carrier said it will ramp up its operations to 21 in line with increasing demand for international travel from the market.

He said: “Emirates flew over 19 million passengers across its network in the last financial year. It flyers can look forward to another distinctive Emirates travel experience as the airline unveils its full Premium Economy offering onboard and on ground, starting 1 August 2022.

“The new cabin class, which offers luxurious seats, more legroom, and a service to rival many airlines’ business offerings, will be available to Emirates customers travelling on popular A380 routes.

“Once onboard, customers will immediately notice the quiet luxury in Emirates’ Premium Economy cabin. A wood panel finishing similar to Business Class sets the cabin’s mood, and each seat is designed to provide optimal comfort and support with 6-way adjustable headrests.”

 

Managing airports since the outset of COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 has triggered challenges in the air travel space. Reduction in flight and commercial operations resulting from imposed lockdowns, plummeted revenue accruing to airport authorities. Despite the lingering setbacks, aeronautical authorities must scale up aerodrome infrastructure, and train their technical personnel to meet prescribed requirements for certification, writes KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR.

The drive to improve safety and security in airports is drawing the attention of global air transport regulators.

From the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) , to Airports Council International (ACI), and International Air Transport Association (IATA), the minimum any country must aim for is the certification of its airports’ infrastructure and technical personnel.

But, attaining  this mark has not been swift since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in the air transport value chain.

Clobbered by the pandemic, impacted organisations, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), have been rejigging its commercial strategies to cut losses triggered by flight-related operations at airports.

Nonetheless, experts said the airport authority  must keep up with the upgrade of airport infrastructure within a certain threshold so as not to fail in securing certification from global safety and aerodrome regulatory bodies.

The move to scale up infrastructure, experts said, would assist Nigeria in futhering the gains recorded in September 17, 2017, when  Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), secured ICAO certfication. Abuja Airport got its certfication on November 10, 2017.

Since then the airport authority is working hard to secure certification for other airports.

But, such stride is only a journey and not a destination.

Global industry regulator – ICAO – requires all countries, including Nigeria, to comply with its Annex 17 & 14, which stresses airport security and its fencing.

To meet up with its status as a Category 1 country in the ICAO safety rating, the Federal Government has taken steps to scale up perimeter/security fencing at airports nationwide. Besides, ICAO had mandated Nigeria a few years ago to close gaps in its airport security architecture to sustain its safety rating.

These developments pushed the  government to consider a review of its airport access control measures at the airports, which is a national border post on the national security framework.

Fundamentally , industry think tank group, Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI), insists the airport authority and the Ministry of Aviation  should  align with the template for running safe and secured airports.

In an interview, the Managing Director of FAAN, Captain Hamisu Yadudu said since last year, the authority despite the pandemic, has embarked on a series of interventions namely, construction, upgrade, replacement of critical airport infrastructure to meet the prescribed international requirements for enhancing safety and security at airports nationwide.

Yadudu said with support from the Ministry of Aviation, the authority has embarked on many projects, including ACI health accreditation programme for Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Sokoto  Airport, Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport , Kano, Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar, and Kaduna Airport.

The ACI health accreditation, he said, is a requirement for sustaining global rating for airports in specific protocols in aerodrome.

He said the authority has also taken steps to ramp up access control measures at the nation’s air borders with  a review of  security procedures and the training of over 121 aviation security officers.

The training, he said, is to expose them to emerging trends in combating any unlawful interference at the airports.

The airport authority boss said ICAO granted approval to FAAN training school for its trainer plus programme, for the training of personnel in Nigeria, West and Central Africa.

To drive capacity building for the industry, Yadudu said the authority organised the first ICAO sponsored aviation security instructors certification course.

As the industry leverages synergy among agencies to improve safety, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the airport authority in the last one year  began the  process leading to the certification of Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, in Kano.

NCAA’s Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu said a technical team by the authority has visited the airport for the proposed certification.

Aside from Kano Airport, the authority is carrying out inspection on the construction of perimeter road for security operations for the runway markings at Calabar Airport.

Managing Director, Centurion Aviation Security Limited, Group Captain John Ojikutu (rtd), said the Federal Government must sustain its drive in ensuring upgrade of the security infrastructure at airports.

Besides assisting the airport authority with the required material and personnel requirements to sustain the country’s drive to scale global certification.

Also, Chief Executive Officer, West Link Airlines, Captain Ibrahim Mshelia said in  the last one year, the airport authority has taken steps to push for well secured airports.

He said: “The airports are secure to the extent that they have perimeter fencing, to ensure the safety of operations around them.”

Appraising the intervention of the Federal Government in the sector, in the last one year, Minister of Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika said steps had been taken to scale up facilities at some airports, including Lagos’, where automation was activated at the Hajj/Cargo access Gate.

Sirika said the Federal Government put in place, a bird/wildlife management equipment  secured international collaboration from the United Kingdom Department for Transport training for Nigeria’s aviation security personnel to boost the strategic security dialogue.Confirming the interventions, Yadudu said: “Since 2021, the government has taken steps to upgrade the check -in facility architecture at major airports nationwide.

He said: “In the last one year, the government has embarked on projects intended to raise the bar in securing international certification for the country following ongoing construction of the Cargo Terminal at the Port Harcourt International Airport, Omagwa, Rivers State.

“Since the resumption of International flights at Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu by  Ethiopian Airlines, efforts are being ramped up on security with over 67 FAAN Aviation Security Officers graduating from the  ICAO standard  Standard Training Programme 123 Basic & Refresher Course to improve level of security at airports

“The government has also embarked on the  inspection of on-going construction of perimeter road for security/operation inspections and runway markings at the Margaret Ekpo International Airport, Calabar. Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja also  received additional seven  co-buses with a 100 passengers capacity to boost facilitation. FAAN, also took delivery of new VIP airside buses for Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. In order to boost passenger facilitation on the airside.  Rehabilitation of restrooms at Nnamdi’s Azikiwe International Airport Abuja.”

Aviation stakeholders will gather in Lagos in July to examine the economic and safety implications of ‘Sunset airports’

The conference put together by the Airport/Aviation Correspondents Association will have speakers drawn from airlines, government agencies, travel agents, air travel passengers and others who will dissect operations in some of the airports restricted to daylight.

Chairman of Finchglow Travels, Mr Bankole Bernard and other industry captains have confirmed their participation at the conference.

Bernard, who is Chairman, Association of Aviation Training Organisations in Nigeria (AATON), will chair the event, with the theme: “Sunset airports: Economic & safety implications.”

According to the organisers, the conference is  timely because of the multiple challenges at sunset airports has thrown up.

The organisers,  said while the airlines continue to claim loss of billions of naira annually due to the restricted operations, some stakeholders feel there is no need for most airports to operate visual and instrument flights.

The statement by the conference committee said the platform would serve as the right place for industry  players to discuss the burning issue and proffer workable solutions.

It reads: “Past  conferences have helped to shape the industry for the better.

“For many, aircraft should remain in the air, but a situation where most of the airports can only offer daylight operations and aircraft stay on ground for most parts of the day, may not augur well, but, again, where are the passengers? Even in the United States, not all their airports operate 24 hours.”

Workers and professionals are worried over the state of affairs in the industry, warning that unless proactive steps are taken to rework some policies and programmes, the anticipated growth of the sector could be stunted, writes KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR

Trouble is brewing in the aviation sector as the cordial relationship among the Federal Government, workers, professionals and unions is tipping to the edge.

The unions – National Union of Transport Employees (NUATE) and the Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP) –  are worried over the manner in which the government is implementing its much-touted Aviation Roadmap.

The unions said unless adjustments were made on the implementation strategies, the roadmap might not  meet its targets.

Appraising developments in the sector, in the last few years, the unions said the government had missed many steps in aligning some policies and programmes with realities and national interest.

NUATE has, therefore, called on the  Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, to review the Roadmap, its President, Comrade Ben Nnabue, stated last week.

He urged the Federal Government to address the  shortcomings of the new international terminal at MMIA.

He warned that it would be a major disservice of this administration, should the terminal turn out to be a white elephant.

“This must be avoided at all costs. As this is the season of national politicking, I want to urge workers not to slack or be complacent. To do so will attract a heavy price of allowing those with less stake enthrone governments at all levels which may be anti-workers.”

Besides, Nnabue said the sector was grappling with the twin challenges of Minimum Wage Consequential Adjustment and Conditions of Service for agencies.

He said that NUATE would stand by the workers’ decision not to accept shifting of the goalpost by government agencies on the matter.

He emphasised that they were dissatisfied with  discussions around airports concession.

Nnabue said: “We are unclear as to the government’s actual response to demands of aviation unions on labour issues and many lapses in the concession programme. In the coming weeks, important decisions will be made to chart a clear path towards ameliorating already stated demands of workers.

“In like manner, we express our frustration at the dilly-dallying attitude of the BPE in attending to the negotiated redundancy benefits of ex-staff of SAHCO, a matter pending since 2009. Let me assure the affected ex-workers that the unions have gone so far and cannot retreat on the matter at this point. We are at the verge of a final solution, failing which we shall take decisive actions towards seeking justice for the victims.”

Nnabue also stated that the union is battling the vexed issue of back catering by some foreign airlines, adding that NUATE is committed to ending the unwelcomed act in the interest of local in-flight catering services companies

Announcing the possibility of an industrial action, the labour leader said: “I use this opportunity to charge aviation workers to prepare for a mother of all strikes against Caverton Helicopters at a date to be shortly announced.”

Also,  ANAP  has condemned the imposition of some persons who are not aviation professionals as directors.

It said such a decision could lead  affect productivity.

Comrade Abdulrasaq Saidu,  general secretary, ANAP, lamented that the appointments of such  directors in the system needed to be reviewed, so that  professionals were allowed to  handle sensitive positions.

Saidu noted that though the chief executives  of aviation agencies are  experts, some of their directors were frustrating them because of inadequate  knowledge of the sector.

He traced the origin of the appointment of non-professionals as a result of the absence of the governing board of agencies.

Saidu explained that the workers were frustrated as a result of the neglect.

ANAP scribe said  the unions had done everything to sustain industrial harmony but that the ministry remained a clog by neglecting workers’ welfare.

Saidu commended workers the for their resilience and struggle towards building a greater sector.

However, efforts to reach government officials were futile.