The Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc at the weekend in Lagos hosted clients and aviation  stakeholders to a customer appreciation party for their support and consistency, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, which ravaged the entire globe in the past year, promising to improve its relationship with its customers by providing more modern facilities and excellent service delivery.

The event themed: ‘Client celebration dinner,’ was an opportunity for the company and customers to further improve on their relationships, seek ways to address the challenges and get adequate feedbacks on service delivery.

The Group Managing Director, NAHCO Plc, Mrs. Adetokunbo Fagbemi, noted that the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the strategies of the company in the past year, but expressed optimism that the industry was gradually returning to the pre-pandemic era.

According to her, past feedback from clients had been very helpful in moving the company forward, assuring that NAHCO would continue to take clients as its major priority.

She said: “We want to celebrate them (clients), we want to get feedback from them. We also want to know what their challenges are and how we can continue to deliver quality services to them.

“We need to know how we can serve our clients either airline, concessionaires, freight forwarder and others. So, we are customer centric. We have a customer experience team, which is to continue to monitor them, and we don’t shy away when the customers’ complaint or give us feedbacks.

“So, when they give us feedback, we love them, and we draw up plans on how those issues can be resolved. We take everything onboard; the good, the bad. As we move on, we intend to increase our services to our customers. Don’t forget that we are in this business because of our clients. It is very important to showcase them and let them know we care for them.”

On the complaints by the clients, Fagbemi explained that some of the challenges were not within the purview of NAHCO, but assured that the management would pass such messages to the appropriate authorities.

She expressed the hope that the year would experience new turnaround for the industry, stressing that NAHCO has a quarterly investment plan in acquisition of Ground Service Equipment (GSE), which it had been following

Also, Group Executive Director, Commercial and Business Development, NAHCO, Prince Saheed Lasisi, said to get appropriate feedbacks from the clients, the company has created a new desk, known as ‘Customer Experience,’ which has helped it to improve its services to its clients.

“Based on the survey that we carried out, we discovered our challenges, especially in the areas of staff shortage, equipment and others. It is the desk that has helped us to identify the challenges and we now know how to solve them.”

The Head, Customer Experience, NAHCO, Mr. Kelechi Amaechi, said the company was already improving on its relationship with its clients, irrespective of class and status.

Organisations like Emirates, Qatar Airways, Asky Rwandair, Air France/KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, freight forwarders and others were represented at the dinner.

Many of the clients in attendance lauded NAHCO for its consistency in delivery quality services despite the challenges of forex, Covid-19 pandemic, and others, with an affirmation of continuous patronage.

With new carriers altering the stakes in the second half of the year, the industry is expected to bubble with a flurry of activities as operators, aviation agencies and other players scale up plans for industry’s rebound, writes KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR

 

The global air transport sector is yet to fully recover from travel bans, restrictions and other measures put in place by some countries to escape the ravaging effects of the third wave of COVID-19 and the emergence of new variants of the deadly disease.

In Nigeria, the next six months  will trigger another round of optimism for airlines, ground handling firms, aeronautical agencies and aircraft manufacturers as well as aircraft maintenance repairs and overhaul centres as they scale up efforts to make good their lofty plans and projects for the remaining part of the year.

Significantly, experts have expressed optimism over the health of old and fledging carriers which will continue their delivery streak of relatively new airplanes.

Leading the pack of such carriers is Air Peace, which would have received more than half of the 13 Embraer 195- E2 jets purchased from Brazillian airplane manufacturers.

Besides delivery of newer planes, the carrier in the second half of the year would have consolidated flight operations on some of its either new routes and routes hitherto suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In an interview, Air Peace Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, said the carrier would have brought back many of its airplanes stranded abroad while undergoing major maintenance checks.

Apart from Air Peace, another major operator – Ibom Air – would have consolidated flights with its two Airbus aircraft recently deployed in routes, even as the carrier would have its aircraft  flapping its wings on some routes in the West African subregion namely, Equatorial Guinea and Banjul, in the Gambia.

 

New check-in system for Lagos Airport

In the next six months, the epileptic check-in system at the Lagos International Airport, hitherto handled by SITA, would have switched optimally to another automated arrangement handled by another firm – RESA.

Investigations by The Nation revealed that the new international terminal was constructed with the $500 million loan secured by the Federal Government from the China Import Export Bank and would have been inaugurated and running optimally.

Earlier this year, the Managing Director, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Captain Hamisu Yadudu, said it would host foreign carriers, as the 40-year-old facility undergoes a major facelift.

In the airline sub sector, new carriers, namely – Green Africa Airways, Cally Air, Kanem Air, Cardinal  Airlines , Chanchangi Airlines, Northeastern Shuttle Airlines Limited, and Mambila Airlines – would have resumed with their aircraft crisscrossing the  skyline.

Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo said before the end of  the year, the carrier would have expanded its fleet and consolidated efforts on the setting up of an Embraer Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul Centre at the Enugu Airport.

 

Anambra to inaugurate cargo airport

Also, the Anambra State Government would have inaugurated and began flights at its Passenge/Cargo Airport in Umueri, a sleepy community about half an hour drive from its capital Awka, teh state capital.

Industry watchers say the second half of the year portends uncertainty for the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) backed carrier – NG Eagle Airlines, which has already acquired some aircraft and has embarked on demonstration flight preparatory for commercial kick off.

But, aviation unions are squaring up to frustrate the emergence of the carrier over unresolved labour issues.

Investigation by The Nation reveals that carriers namely – AeroContractors of Nigeria and Arik Air, which are under receivership by AMCOM – would unfold interesting drama for industry watchers.

While AeroContractors is gradually pulling out of the woods with more aircraft returning to flight operations and consolidation on hitherto dormant  routes, the remaining part of the year holds promise for the nation’s oldest carrier as its aircraft maintenance arm is fast expanding with three hangars across the country.

An official of the airline said the Aero’s maintenance facility would consolidate operations as plans were already afoot to secure approval for the expansion of its hangar facility at the domestic wing of the Lagos Airport.

Besides, AeroContractors, another aircraft maintenance organisation – 7Star Global is another outfit to look at as it intends to consolidate its prowess in fixing airplanes in- country thereby saving the country millions of dollars spent by indigenous carriers in repairing their airplanes overseas.

Its Chief Executive Officer, Captain Isaac Balami said besides strides to be achieved by the MRO, the outfit will float a premium shuttle airline that will target niche and high networth passengers on northern and other routes.

The industry is on the verge of witnessing a boom in terms of aircraft maintenance that could save the country and the entire West African subregion over $1 billion yearly in ferrying aircraft offshore for checks.

In the coming months, more aircraft will be fixed in-country.

7Star Global Hangar Limited, an Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO), was granted licence by the NCAA  to operate an all-inclusive Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility.

Balami said 7Star will be focusing on aircraft Maintenance Repair and overhaul (MRO), describing it as quite exciting because operations are starting with aircraft  that are more often taken overseas for inspection.

Though lauded by industry watchers, the carrier -7Star Global Airlines – is yet to secure the important Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Organisation (NCAA).

The remaining part of the year, experts say, holds a lot of promise from as the industry policeman intends to ramp up its processes and procedures on oversight over private/business jet operators.

The NCAA’s Director-General, Captain Musa Nuhu, had declared in an interview that the body would roll out a raft of regulations and measures that would streamline the operations of private jets.

Private jet operations had come under the regulatory radar over allegations of non- compliance with the laws prescribed for their operations by the NCAA.

The coming months also portends uncertainty for owners of private jets who do not meet conditions set by the Nigeria Customs Services (NCS) for the importation and relevant clearance required for such equipment.

A pall of uncertainty also hangs over promises to deliver a national carrier, aircraft maintenance centre, aircraft leasing company and an Aeronautical University by the Minister of Aviation, Captain Hadi Sirika, who observers say, has been long in rhetoric and short in action.

Stakeholders look forward to the intervention of the NCAA in resolving agitation to review ground handling charges for indigenous operators.

The anticipated review in the rates for foreign carriers flying in narrow body and wide body aircraft has become imperative because Nigeria offers the lowest ground handling tariff in the sub region.

 

Wanted: Increased charges

Players in the cargo, ramp passenger and ground handling value chain said unless the charges were raised the industry, safety and security for aircraft handling could experience a dip.

One of the operators said the review in ground handling rates should not only be carried out for fireign carriers, but also for indigenous operators, as the players are hit adversely by the oscillating exchange rate.

An official of the companies which pleaded not be be named, said: “We are proposing that there should be adjustment for domestic ramp handling rates to be at par with the exchange rate which has significantly impacted the cost of our operations.”

Chief Executive Officer, Aglow Aviation Limited, Mr Tayo Ojuri said a study shows that Nigeria offers the lowest ground handling rate in West Africa in comparison to Ghana, Cameroon, Senegal and other Francophone airports.

He said  antecedents and ownership played a major role in the pricing structure and handling charges paid by airlines to ground handling companies based on the fact that they evolved as government-owned entities and airline subsidiaries

He said these ground handling companies were quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE).

He said to ensure safe, secure and commercial operations, ground handling charges should be competitive and  reflect operations costs.

He said there should be appropriate charges for narrow and wide aircraft.

“ICAO Document 9562 highlights key considerations when determining ground handling charges. Ground handling charges shall be market determined through competition to ensure that they reflect the most cost-effective level for the provision of optimal ground handling services. Experience has shown that market-determined ground handling charges through competition provide the best outcome.

“We reckon ample negotiation coupled with meaningful consultations with the airlines based on transparent information is necessary to verify that airlines are subject to cost-related and effective ground handling charges. A suggested middle ground will be to develop minimum handling rates.

“As the regulator, NCAA can be an independent observer during the negotiation to ensure the airlines and ground handling firms arrive at a mutual fee which will ensure a safe and secured environment which augurs well for the public.’’

The Association of Ground Handling Agents of Nigeria (AGHAN), Chairman, Sam Oluwole said there was the need for the government to address the imbalance in ground handling charges.

He called for regulatory intervention. “What we are trying to set is what we consider as a minimum handling rate, which will be observed by ground handling companies. There should be a uniform rate, which the NCAA is going to supervise. The NCAA should regulate this by ensuring that the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are maintained and there is no undercutting.

“Whatever we are agitating for is not increment per say, but we only want to regularise the rates. Whatever we are charging  is lower than what we did in the 1980s and early 1990s. We just want to be at par with other countries. That is where the NCAA will come in; to play their roles as regulators, just as we have in the banking industry where the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulates activities in that sector,” he added.

 

Charges for ground handling for foreign carriers are the lowest in the West African sub region. This disparity has led to complaints by operators who insist that their inability to collect cost-reflective rates can affect safety. To reverse the trend, experts say regulatory intervention is needed to bridge the gap, KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR reports.

Ground Handling Rates charged in Africa

 

The push to achieve an enhanced safety and security in the air travel value chain is gaining global traction as members of the aviation community – airlines, aviation fuel suppliers, ground handling firm, regulators and airport authority – make efforts to comply with  standards and procedures.

The uniformity of these regulations is driven by standards and procedures put in place by either the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) or the global carriers’ regulator the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Oftentimes, these regulators do not fix the price on services rendered by aeronautical bodies to airlines and others in the air transport space.

But the bodies provide a template that would guarantee service recovery charges to promote safety and security in air transportation.

But, in Nigeria, operators and ground handling firms are lamenting the rates collected for the handling of aircraft belonging to foreign carriers.

Sources close to the ground handling firms are worried that while operators in Nigeria collect between $400 and $1,139  for narrow body aircraft, $3,000 and $3,200 for wide body airplanes, other countries charge higher rates.

While the charge regime for Nigeria is the lowest on the African continent, investigations by The Nation reveal that other countries such as Guinea charge $1,673 for narrow body aircraft with $4, 715 for wide body aircraft. Senegal charges $2,250 for narrow body airplanes with wide body aircraft rates going for $5, 259.

Cameroon charges $1,400 for narrow body aircraft and $4,500 for wide body airplanes. Sierra Leone charges $2,250  for narrow body airplanes and wide body aircraft attracting $5,250.

In Ghana ground handling charges go for $1,500 for narrow body aircraft whereas wide body aircraft attract the rate of $4,150.

The ground handling rates in Nigeria have been running since the late 1980s and 1999 fuelling fresh concerns that the country is being shortchanged.

According to experts, while Boeing 737, Airbus 320 Embraer Regional aircraft 145 and ATR airplanes qualify as narrow body equipment, Boeing 767, Airbus A330, Boeing 777, Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 qualify as wide body equipment.

Investigations further reveal that the Federal Government is losing billions of naira from the lopsided ground handling charges compared to the regime in other African countries because ground handling firms, including Skyways Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO) Plc and Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) Plc pay five per cent of their gross yearly turnover to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

Former Managing Director, NAHCO, Mr Kayode Oluwasegun Ojo said the impact of inappropriate rates by ground handlers was having a ripple effect on the sector.

He said: “If you charge for a service that is less than cost-reflective, it means you are not getting your cost back and in the long run, it will not be sustainable. Lack of sustainability for aviation has serious implications because aviation actually starts from the ground and you land back on the ground. It is the ground handling companies that do that.

“If you are charging less than the cost, it means you are subsidising from somewhere and this will have an impact on the service you provide, equipment on the ground and others.

“You know that most accidents/incidents in the industry actually occur on take-off and landing. So, it is extremely important that we take care of what happens on the ground and, in this case, via the ground handlers in charging the cost-reflective tariff. That means you can recover costs with some margins for hospitality, including being able to pay taxes to the government. Companies that make losses will not be able to pay taxes.

“As you are aware, all the ground handling companies are locally-owned and there is employment implication for staff. If these companies are not making money, thousands of people will be out of work.”

He canvassed price fixing as a way out of the quagmire.

Ojo said: “As I said earlier, you must allow prices to be cost-reflective, but still show some levels of competitiveness. The telecom industry is a good example; operators compete around service and the call tariff’s difference is not that much. They have a minimum service level that they must provide.

“There should be price fixing for narrow body and wide body aircraft. You should have a minimum level you can go, but don’t charge yourself out of business. If you are already operating below the bottom, honestly, it is not sustainable. There are implications on safety, security, job employment and the government. If companies are not making sufficient profit, it will affect the level of tax they will pay.

“I will say this, again, anybody doing business must first recover his cost and this is simple to do. You must recover the cost of depreciation, tax, profit and others. Otherwise, inflation will catch up with you.

“Clearly, the rates they are charging are not sustainable, but I may not be able to be specific on the right rates. What I think they are doing right now is subsidising other aspects of the business. That is not a sustainable model for business in the long run. Whatever that is not sustainable, you will eventually crash.”

He said there was the need for the intervention of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

“I think the NCAA has a great role to play here; it should call people together – airlines and the ground handling companies, let’s jaw-jaw. My experience in the banking industry is that you collaborate before you start competing.

“If Ghana is charging about $1,500 to handle narrow body aircraft and Nigeria is charging this little, then, something is wrong with our system. We must do something about helping our country and industry to grow. We have a huge market here and we must do something to boost the sector, starting from the ground handlers,” Ojo added.

Former Managing Director, SAHCO, Alhaji Oluropo Owolabi said there could be economic, safety and security impact on inappropriate handling charges.

He said: “This issue has been on for more than a decade and it is unfortunate that our government is sitting idle, acting as if this thing doesn’t affect them. It affects the government, foreign exchange, FAAN and even the NCAA being the regulator. It is a tripartite agreement.

“When you fly straight, within the next 25 minutes, you are in Accra. Then, you ask how much they handle a wide and narrow body aircraft. It is different from what they are paying in Nigeria. In fact, it is a peanut. When you move further to other West African countries, you will see the disparities and they are unbelievable. Move to South Africa, Europe and America, the disparities are unbelievable.

“We are suffering because there is no authority to stamp their regulation on these airlines and call the ground handling companies to order.

“This act has, painfully, affected the revenue of the handlers, the take-home of FAAN at the end of the year. The total sales that we pay as remuneration to FAAN at the end of every year surely will diminish. It is what we take that we pay for. As we are losing, FAAN is losing and NCAA is not taking up its responsibility to ensure everything is being done correctly.

“The question is, how much were you paying for air tickets 10 years, five years and even three years ago? Is it the same as you are paying now? Handling charges must move at par with what we are paying on tickets.

“Don’t forget that the equipment we are using is imported and cleared by ICAO and IATA before we can use them.”

He said the solution was not far from sight as the NCAA could step in to resolve the problem.

He said: “NCAA needs to wade in because the government is losing on foreign exchange; these foreign carriers are taking undue advantage of the ground handling companies.

“The NCAA should stamp its authority. There should be a minimum rate with sanctions to anyone that violates it and should be treated as a saboteur to the government.

“Though the sub-sector is deregulated, the take-home of the government yearly is affected when appropriate charges are not collected. So, the government can’t keep quiet.”

Chairman, Board of Trustees Association of Ground Handling Agents of Nigeria (AGHAN), Sam Oluwole, said there was the need for the government to address the lingering imbalance in ground handling charges.

He said: “The bane of the sub-sector is the extremely low charges by ground handling companies in Nigeria, which are not commensurate with the quality of service that we render daily, the safety and security. There are three aspects that concern us at the moment; economic, safety and security of the industry. As far back as 1986, grand handlers were charging about $1,139 to handle a narrow body aircraft for instance, but regrettably, despite the crash of naira against the dollars and other currencies, some of the handlers charge as low as $300. Then a dollar was equal to N90,000, but today, the same dollar is about N500, yet we are charging low.

“The airlines play on the infighting among the ground handling companies to pay them a token today, yet they are getting better services here than whatever they are getting outside the country. In Accra, Ghana for instance, they are paying about $2,000 for the same service, if not lower.

“The Federal Government is losing a lot of revenue because the handling companies pay five per cent yearly turnover to the government and it is this money that they are using to acquire facilities, upgrade equipment, while the handlers train personnel and pay workers’ welfare packages and insurance.

“We have been static over the years and because we have been static, we find it very difficult to maintain relevant standards. As you know, aviation is an international business with safety as our hallmark. If this continues, there is this tendency that one may want to compromise on safety if care is not taken. If the staff is not well-paid and the equipment is not ultra-modern and we start to cut corners, the resultant effect of this is that we may have an accident.”

He canvassed appropriate rates by handlers, saying: “We need to work out something that will be a win-win situation for the airlines and ourselves. I mean something that will enable us to still be in business and provide adequate service to our customers. There are standards set by international organisations on this; IATA, ICAO all have standards.

“There are terrorism activities going on around the world. What stops a terrorist to induce a worker who has access to restricted areas of the airport and has not been well-remunerated? That will not paint the image of our country in the right colours.”

He called for regulatory intervention.” What we are trying to set is what we consider as a minimum handling rate, which will be observed by all ground handling companies.There should be a uniform rate, which the NCAA is going to supervise. The NCAA should be able to regulate this by ensuring that the Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are maintained and there is no undercutting. An airline goes to handler A, gets their rates and goes to handler B to cajole them to charge lower.

“Whatever we are agitating for is not increment per se, but we only want to regularise the rates. Whatever we are charging is lower than what we did in the 1980s and early 1990s. We just want to be at par with other countries. That is where the NCAA will come in; to play their roles as regulators, just as we have in the banking industry where the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) regulates activities in that sector,” he said.

Riding on the effects of low grounding charges and its implications for Nigeria, a former Chief Executive Officer, SAHCO, Chike Ogeah said it was time leading ground handling firms came together to fix the challenge.

Ogeah said: “The two handling companies must work together. As long as those two handling companies are not working in tandem and setting the bars for themselves, knowing that the most important issue in the aviation business is safety. If they realise that, then they will not want to be undercutting themselves because that is where the greatest problem lies.

“Because a ground handling company wants to get the bulk of the clients, gives services below its cost and that is dangerous. The rates are inelastic, it is open ended. There is a particular amount of client that everybody is trying to get because aviation is a specialised business, not a food stuff business. It is a specific business. So, by the time you look at passenger and cargo handlings, you will realise that you need to enforce your own prices, which must be standard and must be realistic to ensure that safety is not compromised.

“It shows that something is wrong for Nigeria to have the lowest handling charges on the continent. NCAA as the regulator must sit down with the handling companies to come out with a realistic regime.

” It is ridiculous for Nigeria to charge as low as what they are charging now. It doesn’t make sense. I think the coming onboard of AGHAN will address that. The only way their survivals will be guaranteed is for them to charge right. Mind you, some of the companies are listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and they need to deliver to their shareholders.”

Also, the spokesman of industry think tank and safety advocacy group, Aviation Safety RoundTable Initiative (ASRTI) Olumide Ohunayo said lower charges portends safety, security and economic implications for the country.

He said: “On the ground handling side, a time will come when safety might be affected if they continue to run their services below the cost of production.’’

We cannot be different from the rest of the world. If the last approval was 1999, we are in 2021, which is about 22 years later. So, we need to look at that figure, considering that the foreign exchange rate has risen, the naira has continued to depreciate and has never appreciated since 1999

“There is no way that agreement of 1999 can be sustained in modern day and what we are doing now is that we are giving the foreign carriers profitability and shooting our own ground handlers on the foot. It is better that the regulatory authority and other agencies push forward this process, use whatever method that can bring about a competitive rate as compared to other countries.

“It is obvious that the Nigerian handling companies are not cater for and not put into consideration at any point, despite the state-of-the-art equipment they deploy for services. They also do staff training and other services, which are not commensurate with the services provided.

“There should be a benchmark of what is obtainable because we cannot price ourselves out of the region. We can pick the average rate in West African countries. If we go higher, we can allow the airlines to pull fares up and that may have a negative effect on Nigeria, but if we benchmark, the airlines will still come to Nigeria, and continue to operate because we have the population.

“But, with what we have right away, it is the foreign airlines that are making money, yet, giving Nigeria the highest ticket fares with very low ground handling rate.The airlines have monopolised the fares and making outrageous gains at the expense of Nigeria and the ground handling companies.

“For the ground handling companies, the most important thing is that they have formed an association to speak on their behalf. I think they should be more united in tackling this issue of handling rate. They should stand together and take this issue with the regulatory authority. The regulatory authority has no option than to support the ground handling companies in achieving and commensurate charges for ground handling to international companies and other ground handling companies. That will support growth in Nigeria

“And for the ground handling companies, as they continue to push for this. They should not lower their standards, they should continue to get their certification and be members of all the international affiliated handling companies on safety and security. This makes it impossible for anybody to say they cannot pay or they cannot allow them to handle them. They need to continue to train, procure equipment and be members of international organisations. With that, they will be able to negotiate fairly what is obtainable in other countries within the continent.”

The Chief Executive Officer, Aglow Aviation Limited, Mr Tayo Ojuri said a study shows that Nigeria offers the lowest ground handling rate in West Africa. He said  antecedents and ownership play a major role in the pricing structure and handling charges based on the fact that they evolved as government-owned entities and airline subsidiaries

He said: “Fast forward to 2021, these ground handling companies are publicly quoted companies on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with strategic global alliances, enormous human capacity development, significant investment in the purchase of equipment and development of infrastructure in line with best international practice.

“It is pertinent to note that a safe and reliable flight requires a whole range of ground services to be safely and completed on the ground between aircraft arrival and departure according to a common set of requirements that can be implemented worldwide in a standardised manner. With the growth of air traffic, ground operations have become complex.

“To ensure safe, secure and commercial operations, ground handling charges need to be competitive and be a true reflection of cost of operations.

“Appropriate charges for narrow and wide body aircraft by the handlers. ICAO Document 9562 highlights key considerations when determining ground handling charges. Ground handling charges shall be market determined through competition to ensure that they reflect the most cost-effective level for the provision of optimal ground handling services. Experience has shown that market-determined ground handling charges through competition provide the best outcome.

“We reckon ample negotiation coupled with meaningful consultations with the airlines based on transparent information is necessary to verify that airlines are subject to cost-related and effective ground handling charges. A suggested middle ground will be to develop Minimum handling rates.

“As the regulator and industry umpire, NCAA can be an independent observer during the negotiation to ensure the airlines and ground handling companies arrive at a mutual fee which will ensure a safe, secured operating environment which augurs well for the travelling public.”

 

 

Despite COVID -19 pandemic shocks, the sector is soaring with activities to boost  the logistic value chain. It has witnessed a flurry of activities with acquisition of newer airplanes by new and existing carriers, amid increasing complaints of obsolete and inadequate airports and air navigation facilities, writes KELVIN OSA – OKUNBOR

 

The global aviation industry is yet to recover from the shocks of the on- going pandemic, which has affected the turning of the wheels of the logistic value chain. Significantly, air travel  is struggling to get back to pre-pandemic era following huge dip in passenger and cargo figures wrought by the fear of infection on board airplanes.

Despite a raft of measures put in place by health, airworthiness and aeronautical authorities to encourage air travel, the wheel of the industry is grinding slowly to attain accelerated rebound.

In the last six months, the sector has witnessed a flurry of activities bordering on the good, bad and ugly.

N5b Intervention Fund

Like a silver lining in the cloud, the Federal Government in the period under review  facilitated N5 billion intervention fund to indigenous carriers to cushion the effects of the pandemic on their operations.

This move was greeted with ovation in the sector, but stakeholders, including the industry think tank group; Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative ( ASRTI ) described it as a dip in the ocean as they had looked forward to N27 billion Stimulus Package designed to bail out the sector from the ravaging shocks of the pandemic.

Significantly is the sledge hammer on AZMAN Air by the industry policeman – Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), for gross and serial violation of safety regulations.

To put it simply, the NCAA suspended the operations of the airline and subsequently grounded the five Boeing 737 aircraft its fleet to pave the way for a safety, technical and economic audit of its operations.

Director-General of NCAA, Captain Musa Nuhu said AZMAN Air was sanctioned for gross violation of safety regulation following series of burst tyre on landing involving  airplanes in the fleet of the airline.

Though the carrier had cast aspersions on the reputation of the NCAA and its leadership following allegations of bribery, the airline later recanted.

The NCAA had described the incidents involving AZMAN Air as an accident waiting to happen.

General Manager, Public Affairs, NCAA, Sam Adurogboye, said the regulator was constrained to suspend the airline.

Three incidents

The NCAA said the airline had at least three serious incidents, including burst tyres, within six weeks, such that the NCAA could not continue to allow such unprofessional conduct to persist without taking decisive action.

The general manager said the alarming trend of tyre failures, in combination with improper tyre maintenance procedures by the airline, were a clear and strong indication of an accident chain formation in its final stages at Azman Air.

He further explained that there was an urgent need to break the accident chain, before aN avoidable national tragedy occurred, adding that it would not allow avoidable accidents to happen in the sector, due to the airline’s persistent professional misconduct.

“Over a period of about six weeks, Azman Air Boeing 737 aircraft, operating scheduled passenger flights, were involved in three separate incidents, resulting in damage to the aircraft, in each case, but with no loss of life, for which it was grateful to God”, NCAA said.

The 19-page audit report by the NCAA found AZMAN Air culpable of many safety infractions, including not being in compliance with the management personnel for commercial air transport, poor provision of resources and discharge of the duties of the Accountable Manager.

The audit report said: “The DFO exhibited a lack of understanding of his duties and responsibilities as contained in the Operations Manuals.

The report also stated that Azman Air imited was found to be in violation of Nig.CARs 18.10.3 on the submission of monthly financial health reports to the NCAA.

“This is evidenced in Azman Air’s failure to meet up with the monthly obligation in submitting the required financial health report for months despite several reminders,” it stated.

New entrants

The industry also experienced the  coming of new carriers namely: Green Africa Airways, Cally Air, Cardinal Airlines, NG Eagle Airlines, United Nigeria Airlines, which commended operations a few months ago latching on the use of fuel efficient Propeller Embraer 145 airplanes.

Besides, United Airlines, whose  Chairman, Obiora Okonkwo, said made entry into air transport to make a difference, the carrier acquired four aircraft.

Apart from United Airlines, another start – up carrier: Cally Air, which is backed by the Cross River State Government also  acquired two Boeing  737 aircraft in partnership with Nigeria’s oldest carrier – Aero Contractors.

Also, acquisition of brand aircraft has been on the burner following the delivery of three Embraer 195- E2 jets from the Brazillian manufacturer’s facility in San Jose to Air Peace.

Considered the game changer in the industry, experts, including Minister of Aviation, Captan Hadi Sirika, described the acquisistions as the paradigm shift needed to refocus aviation business since the turn of the century.

He said the brand new planes would  drive down maintenance and fuelling costs.

There is also new entrant Green Africa Airways, promoted by a young entreprenuer- Babawande Afolabi, who has been driving the narrative of delivering the low-cost carrier concept into the airspace.

Targetting young mobile professionals as workers and clientele, the carrier has acquired three ATR 72-600 series propeller aircraft to alter the stakes with air fares as low as N16,500 on a one-way trip.

Also, some carriers, including Aero Contractors and Arik Air, have been in the eye of the storm following plans by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to float a new carrier from the carriers as its receiver manager.

Sources hinted of a grand design to second workers of Arik Air into the prposed carrier – NG Eagle Airlines – which is on the verge of securing an Air Operators’ Certficate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

Threat by unions

In the last six months, the industry has also navigated the corridors of controversies following threats by aviation unions – National Union of Air Transport Employees ( NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE), should the government  float the proposed NG Eagle Airlines by stripping Arik Air and Aero Contractors of their valuable assets and personnel.

The unions vowed to stop AMCON from establishing Nigerian Eagle, if labour issues were not resolved.

NUATE President, Comrade Ben Nnabue, said: “AMCON has shown that we are in a country that values assets more than the people  who work with the assets, whereas the people and workers created the machines and assets. Without the people, the assets will be useless. If they don’t resolve the problem of workers, the new airline will not take off.

“We will picket Arik Air for three months. The mandate of workers must be taken by force. This battle has just started. We have told Arik Air to open up to us on the new airline, the management is dishones.”

Also, the Secretary of the union, Ocheme Aba, said: “But, there are ominous signs that what should ordinarily be a lofty project will likely run into a heavy storm being created by a thoroughly fouled and convoluted industrial atmosphere at Arik Air. We consider it most unfortunate that an odd combination of AMCON’s egoistic, evasive and self-defeating tendencies on the one hand, and Arik Air’s unrelenting penchant for courting crisis on the other hand, as well as severally demonstrated lack of capacity/disdain for labour relations practice have evoked a perplexing atmosphere of forlornness in the airline. Under this atmosphere, it is  impossible to be hopeful of any good thing. Hence, our misgivings concerning NG Eagle.

“We wish to use this medium to pose the following questions which expose the evil machinations in AMCON/Arik Air’s unholy craft and perfidy called NG Eagle. At present, AMCON is in receivership of two airlines – Arik Air and Aero Contractors – being a 60 per cent  shareholder in the latter. One should then ask why AMCON would be floating another airline. We smell a rat.

“We decipher that AMCON’s unstated objective is to open a window of business opportunity as a way to recoup its heavy financial losses through the heavy debts in Arik and Aero. But, surely NUATE can’t be the only ones wondering what sort of business ingenuity there could be in running three airlines simultaneously. We have it on good authority that AMCON’s real intention is to sidestep the debt overhang, particularly in Arik air, while continuing to make money from the airline business without any real capital injection. This it intends to achieve by moving valuable assets of Arik Air, including human asset, into the new NG Eagle.

“The questions are: What becomes of the carcass of Arik Air and its personnel after such evil wind?

“While committing the societal aspects of this brazen effrontery to the court of public opinion, and urging urgent intervention by appropriate government agencies – Ministry of Labour, Ministry of Aviation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, etc – we have raised the labour aspects before the management of Arik Air as trade disputes. Should the Management raise itself to the needed open mindedness and heartedness then we are willing and desirous of resolving them amicably as expected of progressive social partners. Then we shall welcome NG Eagle with our Solidarity Song and pop champagne.

“But, in the event that the reverse of the above is the case, then we shall sing our Solidarity Song as a call to the struggle to fight for the rights of Arik Air’s long-suffering employees. The ball is in their court,” he said.

The sector has been struggling to cruise to higher altitude as the number of aircraft flown abroad by indigenous carriers for major maintenance checks, including C- check are yet to return to the country apprently because of challenges of securing slot as well as accessing foreign exchange for the prohibitive operation.

Chairman, Air Peace, Allen Onyema said the carrier has over 20 aircraft stranded abroad for maintenance checks.

Besides, Air Peace, other carriers have reduced their flight frequencies owing to the shrinking number of their aircraft.

Operators said the reduction in the frequencies of flights to various destinations by the airline is due to coronavirus and its effects on aviation globally.

According to  Air Peace ‘s  Chief Operating Officer, (COO), Mrs. Toyin Olajide, COVID-19 devastated airlines worldwide.

She explained that Air Peace had several aircraft out on C-check maintenance abroad before COVID-19 and were caught up with the lockdown web globally, forcing the suspension of aircraft maintenance. The maintained aircraft did not come back at the scheduled time.

The industry was upbeat as NCAA  unveiled plans to review regulations for private jet operators  amid threat by the Nigeria Customs Service to impound jets without payments of relevant charges and obtaining of requisite approvals.

NUATE  pointed out  how the minister failed to deliver projects such as the suspended national carrier, aircraft leasing company and national aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facility.

Nnabue noted the union’s frustration over the unjust treatment meted to workers by the Salaries and Wages Commission and the Head of Service.

He said: “We have persistently pointed out the folly of a one-man-show in the governance of the sector. As we all know, there are no governing boards for all the agencies in aviation, and the CEOs being direct employees of the Minister of Aviation, and the minister being the chairman of all the so-called Interim Boards, the affairs of the entire aviation industry has been contrived to be totally in the hands of one man.’’

But, the dip in the ocean intervention would not assuage mounting complaints of obsolete airport/ air navigation equipment by pilots and air traffic controllers associations.

 

By Ozolua Uhakheme

The Africa to Africa Tourism Promotion initiative fashioned out of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA) by the National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), has opened up windows of profitable passenger’s capacity for Egypt Air.

The airline was among the four African carriers, RwandAir, Kenya Airways and Ethiopian airlines pooled by NANTA President, Mrs Susan Akporiaye three months ago to kick start innovative Africa to Africa Tourism Promotion. The initiative geared towards driving and facilitating Intra African trade and tourism has seen its passengers’ traffic on the rise since COVID-19, which slowed down travel business across the board.

Akporiaye described the cheerful report of patronage by NANTA members under the scheme as instructive of the values of collaboration under the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (ACFTA).

“I have received calls of appreciation from the management of Egypt Air, commending NANTA members for coming out with trade and tour groups since we birthed the agenda. And you won’t believe it, all flights for shopping and holidays are headed towards Cairo and as the summer beckons, we expect Nigerians who are used to Dubai, will find Cairo a much better and inspiring alternative,” she noted.

READ ALSO: Egypt air to replace old aircraft, slash airfare

The NANTA President reiterated that Africa to Africa Tourism Promotion initiative by the association in collaboration with the airlines would grow bigger and better, keeping the airlines busy and profitable all year round and NANTA members smiling to the bank.

“We are waiting for Kenya Airways to come up with their holiday brand, ditto RwandAir and Ethiopian airlines. Interestingly, RwandAir has reached us with its ambitious project and we at NANTA, will provide the needed support, particularly in getting them a window into the Nigerian vast and virgin tourism market. We are waiting for Ethiopian airlines to address some concerns, otherwise, we are ready for the tourism trade revolution worth more than three trillion dollars,” she added.

She called on other professional travel trade operators on NANTA membership to join in the campaign and organise trade and tourism tours instead of waiting on tickets sales alone. She disclosed that Egypt Air has promised to offer visa assistance to those with group tours, pilgrimage and trade visits.

By Kelvin Osa Okunbor

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO) has  identified lack of access to cheap long-term funds needed for  purchase and replacement of  ageing equipment as part of needs of players in the cargo handling subsector.

The company said operators in the cargo handling segment of the industry would have experienced accelerated growth and expansion if the government had addressed needs of the industry,

Besides, the company said operators in the value chain need to enjoy duty waivers granted to scheduled carriers to enable them actualise their full potential and drive further contributions to the  air transport sector.

Group Managing Director, Nigerian Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), Mrs  Olatokunbo Fagbemi  made this an interview in Lagos.

According to her, the  ground handling sub sector is grappling with myriads of  challenges not limited to poor airport facilities, lack of funding and multiple taxation.

She said: “In resolving our operational challenges, we need to spell out in clear terms what constitutes challenges.These include poor infrastructure, lack of low interest capital, difficulty in ease of doing business and lack of synergy among stakeholders we need the Ministry of Aviation and the regulator  to assist us in this regard.

“In summary, as a ground handler, one of our major challenges is being able to provide adequate infrastructure, facilities, and equipment to service our customers due the capital-intensive nature of the aviation business. This has been greatly hindered by the lack of access to cheap long-term funds which can be used to purchase and replace aging equipment as well as improve our infrastructure.

“Just like the other critical industries where government has directly supported them through various incentives, Ground handlers and not just the airlines should be able to access these special loans to be able to run our business, as everyone is aware the aviation industry is a capital-intensive industry that requires a lot on investments in equipment, spares, infrastructure, and training. The cost of purchase and maintenance of ground support equipment is astronomical and in foreign currency.

In the area of airport infrastructure, Fagbemi said  NAHCO require  support from FAAN especially in the provision and maintenance of key infrastructure within the airports such as scanning machines, electricity, security , which hinder operational  activities.

She said,”Having to provide for some of these facilities or take on some of these responsibilities puts additional pressure on our already dwindling revenue. ”

Fagbemi further explained that though  safety is NAHCO’s primary core value and with increases in ramp operations, complexity in ground equipment, traffic control systems, and diversity of service providers on the ramp, reducing ground handling incidents remains  a constant battle

She said,” Overcoming this challenge has led to a revamp of our team and the focus is to constantly synchronize all elements of our ground handling teams to promote and ensure safe and secure service. The challenge is to ensure that this is done within the ramp microcosm that involves other parties, Air Traffic Controllers  from Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) , marshaller from Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and  fuel suppliers.

” It is worthy of note that the NCAA and FAAN have worked on a framework to drive this. It is important that this is continuously worked on and improved to concretize and establish a lasting ramp safety culture that cuts across all parties.

On the challenge of limited infrastructure, Mrs. Fagbemi said the increase in air traffic especially with respect to cargo is putting material pressure on the apron especially at Cargo Ramp at MMIA and called on FAAN to face the challenge.

She said,”FAAN needs to face this head on to enable Nigeria actualize the full potential of air cargo. NAHCO’s facilities have evolved from the old facilities transferred from FAAN. Many of these require upgrade, refurbishment and re planning. Getting approval for these is most times very challenging.

“With the inflation, this is becoming more expensive to achieve. We require more space to make our facilities fully automated, have simple but effective security systems, be environmentally friendly . We are unable to achieve this effectively. We have approached FAAN for assistance in this regard and also for the opportunity to operate those being built by FAAN.

“This will no doubt be of immense benefit and value to shippers, consignees, agents, the agents, the airlines, the airport, the aviation industry and the nation as a whole. A visit to any cargo terminal outside these climes will showcase the reasons .”

On technology, Fagbemi said that like passengers demand for better travel experience, cargo customers demand the same and there is a push for more automation of the cargo warehousing system stressing that IATA is at the forefront of an e- cargo system. Today e-manifest has come to stay.

She said,” Safety, prevention of aircraft damage, sustainability and the drive to become green are driving changes in the design and operations of Ground Support Equipment (GSE) and operations. This calls for more investment in these new equipment and systems. ”

 

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

Air Peace has introduced  new connections to offer the public more network options and satisfy their air travel needs.

They are the Port Harcourt-Kano-Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt-Benin-Port Harcourt  routes and resumption of flights on Kano-Asaba-Kano route.

Spokesperson of Air Peace, Stanley Olisa, who made this known to reporters, stated that the Kano-PHC-Kano flights would start today, and operate twice weekly while flights on the Asaba-Kano-Asaba route, billed to have started yesterday, would run three days a week.

However, flights on the Benin-PHC-Benin route, will kick off on June 18, and operate on Fridays and Sundays.

“Tickets for these new connections are already selling and the flying public can start booking on our website flyairpeace.com or the mobile app”, he said.

He added that the new connections further reflected Air Peace’s commitment to providing strategic connectivity which addresses the gaps in the nation’s air travel.

Also, the airline is set to launch scheduled daily flights to Ilorin from Lagos and Abuja on June 17, 2021, and plans to kick off flights on the Gombe and Ibadan routes soon.

Air Peace services 16 domestic routes, five regional routes and  two international destinations, including Johannesburg, and boasts of a mixed fleet of 28 aircraft, including two new Embraer 195-E2 jets, delivered earlier this year, with 11 more lined up for delivery.

 

By Kelvin Osa-Okunbor

Air traffic controllers have said the Kaduna Airport has no control tower to navigate aircraft.

They decried the deplorable conditions at airport control towers of Katsina, Kano, Sokoto and Calabar and others. Specifically, they said no airport  had up to 80 per cent functional equipment.

They said the country needed no fewer than 650 controllers to meet the needs of airports.

The Nigeria Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) employs over 4000 staff, 400 of which are core professionals.

President, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), Abayomi Agoro, stated this in an interview in Lagos.

He said besides the absence of a functional control tower at the Kaduna Airport, there were other infractions, which include lack of  toilets at the Katsina Control Tower and a failed equipment in Kano, stressing that air traffic control personnel bore the brunt of the dilapidated system.

He said:  “The working environment is becoming deplorable. Journalists are free to walk into our working facilities for an on-the-spot assessment. Some airports do not even have functioning equipment. Even the Kaduna Airport does not have a control tower. What they are using is a watch room (for fire fighters), which is not built for that purpose.          We have been calling on the government to do something.

“Go to Sokoto, when it rains, controllers use umbrellas to access the control tower?

“Some of the control towers attached to the terminal buildings were ceded to FAAN while those standing alone were with NAMA, but we have approached the two organisations for help.

“When we have a problem, NAMA will be waiting for FAAN to put it in order. FAAN would ask, is it our staff that are working there? And that is because of the bureaucracy and it is controllers that suffer in such a situation.

“We are still battling with terrestrial radio frequency, and communication. Calabar is there. There is no airport you will go to that you would say things are working 80 per cent.”

Also, Deputy Vice-President, NATCA, Ahmed Adamu Bello, condemned the situation at the Katsina Airport.

He said there were no toilets for ATCs unless the controller leaves the building, which would be a breach of professional ethics.

Bello said: “In addition, Katsina has no toilet for its one ATC. He is a human being. To urinate is a problem, are we saying he should use a bottle? Or descend the tower? If he descends, he is in breach of his professional ethics. So, what do you expect that person to do? Also, in Katsina, there is no rest room. All these are verifiable.”

On Kano, he said: “Kano has a fine building, that is all. The facilty, unfortunately, is a failure. Go and verify everything we say. We are not being emotional. We are angry because if the system demands I put my whole life into it, I expect it to provide me the working tools and environment to do that. I spent close to two years at the training school for me to qualify, only to be frustrated by a system that does not want me to give my best.’’

According to Agoro, the Federal Government allocates money, NAMA also generates revenue,  but he is at loss as to where the money goes as there is nothing to show for it.

“Things are not okay. Our members are also telling us that we are not doing what is expected of us. Do you know that if you get to some control towers, there are no chairs. We have to go and beg for some chairs. This year, I have met the NAMA management, asking that chairs be provided for controllers who sit for six to 12 hours to avoid them having back pains.

“Also, these people climb stair cases because the elevators do not work. It’s not ideal. Even when our members complain to us, we are in tears. We don’t know what to say,” he lamented.

Agoro alleged that it was shameful that NAMA had employed more staff in non-core critical areas, stating that even as there are inadequate ATCs.

Agoro said: “We should have, at least, 600 to 650 ATCs. Let me also tell you that there is no point in leaving one controller on duty in the tower. It is dangerous and we must say it; and while a station like Kaduna has fewer  than six ATCs, definitely they will work only one per shift. But I can tell you that NAMA has close to 4,000 staff.

“Even in some departments, you see them drawing a roster. If you come this week, don’t come next week. At a point we tried to do internal recruitment to see whether we can bring some of these redundant staff and train them and those who agreed to convert them are regretting. For many of them seven or eight years after, they are still one grade level. This is a discouragement to others.”

 

 

The Federal Government’s failure to renew the contract of a foreign firm – Societe International Telecommunication Aeronautiques (SITA) – providing automation for check-in facilities at airports has led to delays in processing passengers for boarding, writes KELVIN OSA-OKUNBOR

Traveling procedures at the  Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos have been difficult for passengers and airlines.

Reason? The check-in facilities at the  airport are experiencing hitches, making airlines, passengers and other profiling agencies to spend more then the required time to prepare travellers for boarding.

Though there are complaints by some carriers and passengers, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN),  investigations have shown, is scaling up efforts to fix them.

Investigations by The Nation further showed that disruptions in passenger facilitation at the MMI for temporary downtime in the check-in system was as a result of the expiration of a 10-year deal between FAAN and Societe International Telecommunication Aeronautiques (SITA).

It was  learnt that SITA’s contract with FAAN was extended by six months, but the Geneva-based organisation was not ready for further extension, a development, which has caused hitches in passenger facilitation at the nation’s gateway.

A source said SITA was aware that its contract, which covered Lagos and Abuja airports, was due for  renewal.

The source said: “SITA is fully aware that their 10-year contract covering Lagos and Abuja airports alone expired and they failed to participate with proper documents in the subsequent procurement. Another company, RESA did, with better offer that covers the five major airports.

“SITA declined to sign the six  months’ contract extension that FAAN requested to avoid service disruption during the transition they signed for only  two  months, paving the way for the disruption that they obviously planned for.”

Investigations show that SITA in March wrote to suspend check-in services, offering an extension of two months, insisting on full payments of outstanding invoices by  May 30.

FAAN stated the dates when the processing of the payment could be completed. But  SITA rejected this.

A follow up letter, it was learnt, was dispatched to SITA, promising to fast-track the processing further with only a five-day difference from the proposed date by SITA. But the company again rejected this.

According to the source, FAAN has engaged RESA and is expediting action in deploying their solution to ensure services are restored at the airports but needs the transition period to get RESA started and avoid the  problem.

Last March, FAAN, in a letter signed by General Manager, ICT, Charles Nwachi, to station managers in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Port-Harcourt, entitled, “Smart app project implementation in Abuja, Port-Harcourt, Lagos and Abuja” tried to get airlines to join the smart app project.

It added: “We wish to bring to your notice that with effect from May 1, 2021, the current common use passenger processing system being managed by SITA at the Abuja and Lagos airport shall cease to be operational.

“It is, therefore, imperative that all international airlines integrate with the Arlington/ICT SmartApp solution immediately as agreed in our last meeting of December 11, 2020 with FAAN top management to avoid service disruption.

“Once again, the Arlington/ICTS SmartApp solution can be linked to any airline’s DCS directly through WBS and is a complete check-in system with support for various airline print configurations for both boarding pass and baggage tags. This connection is a direct  integration with airlines and is also fast and seamlessly.”.

Nwachi further said  the Arlington/ICTS Smart App integration was free as FAAN had paid associated costs and the introduction of the SmartApp solution.

“You may wish to note that the Arlington/ICT SmartApp solution will not attract extra charges beyond the ones in existence,” he said.

FAAN has appealed to airlines and passengers for patience and understanding over the problem.

In a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Yakubu,  FAAN said it had mobilised  resources to address the challenge, and that all hands were on deck to restore normalcy in passenger facilitation.

To avoid flight delays, Mrs. Yakubu  advised passengers to leave their homes early, to complete check-in formalities on time.

notice that with effect from May 1, 2021, the current common use passenger processing system being managed by SITA at the Abuja and Lagos airport shall cease to be operational.

“It is therefore imperative that all international airlines integrate with the Arlington/ICT SmartApp solution immediately as agreed in our last meeting of December 11, 2020 with FAAN top management in order to avoid service disruption”.

“Once again, the Arlington/ICTS SmartApp solution can be linked to any airline’s DCS directly through WBS and is a complete check-in system with support for various airline print configurations for both boarding pass and baggage tags. As this connection is direct  integration with airlines is also fast and seamlessly”.

Nwachi further disclosed that the Arlington/ICTS Smart App integration is free as FAAN has paid for all associated costs and the introduction of the SmartApp solution will not attract extra charges beyond the one in existence.

“You may wish to note that the Arlington /ICT SmartApp solution will not attract extra charges beyond the ones in existence”.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has appealed to airlines and passengers for patience and understanding following a temporary downtime in the check-in system of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

In a statement signed by its General Manager, Public Affairs, Mrs Henrietta Yakubu,  FAAN said  it has already mobilized necessary resources to address the challenge, and all hands are presently on deck to restore normalcy in passenger facilitation.

To avoid flight delays, Mrs Yakubu  advised passengers to leave their homes early, so as to complete all check-in formalities in good time.